Ancient Roman ruins dot this German city, including the Porta Nigra gate. Surrounded by vineyards, it's a prime spot for wine tasting and exploring 2,000-year-old history.
Trier, Germany's oldest city, sits along the Moselle River near the Luxembourg border. Founded by the Romans in 16 BC, Trier has ancient structures like the Porta Nigra gate and Constantine's throne room. You can explore a 13th-century Gothic church, shop in an active market square, and taste wines from the surrounding Moselle region.
Ancient Roman Structures
Trier has several well-maintained Roman ruins north of the Alps. The Porta Nigra, a massive 2nd-century city gate made of dark sandstone, marks the entrance to the old town. You can climb to the top for views of the city. The Aula Palatina, or Basilica of Constantine, is an enormous brick hall that once served as the emperor's throne room. The single-room structure is large enough to fit a 10-story building inside. At the Imperial Baths complex, you can explore extensive underground passages.
Medieval Trier
The High Cathedral of Saint Peter is Germany's oldest church, with parts dating to the 4th century. Next door, the Church of Our Lady (Liebfrauenkirche) is an early example of High Gothic architecture in Germany. Both are part of Trier's UNESCO World Heritage designation. As you walk the narrow streets of the old town, you'll see timber-framed houses and Renaissance-era buildings around the Main Market square.
Museums
At the Rheinisches Landesmuseum, you can view an extensive collection of Roman artifacts found in the region. The museum displays intricate mosaics, sculptures, and the largest hoard of Roman gold coins ever discovered. For a different perspective on history, visit the Karl Marx House museum. The political philosopher was born in Trier in 1818, and his birthplace now contains exhibits on his life and ideas.
Wine and Food
Trier is located in the heart of the Moselle wine region, known for its crisp white wines. Many local restaurants offer wine tastings paired with regional specialties. You can try Riesling with traditional dishes like Saumagen (stuffed pig stomach) or Döppekooche (a potato casserole). The Hauptmarkt (main market square) hosts a weekly farmers market where you can sample local produce and specialties.
Getting There and Around
You can reach Trier by train, with direct connections to major cities like Frankfurt and Cologne. While the old town is walkable, there's also a bus network for longer distances. Renting a bike allows you to explore the riverside paths and nearby vineyards. If you're driving, note that much of the old town is pedestrianized.
Day Trips
The Moselle Valley has many wine towns and hilltop castles. In Cochem, about an hour north, you can visit a medieval castle overlooking the river. Bernkastel-Kues, known for its medieval market square and Riesling wines, is just 45 minutes away. Luxembourg City, with its gorge setting and mix of ancient and modern architecture, is less than an hour by train or car.
