As Germany's oldest city, Trier boasts the most impressive collection of Roman monuments with nine astonishing UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The city was built in the late 4th century by the Celt and was named Treuorum until the Roman occupation 300 years later when it was renamed Augusta Treverorum under Augustus’s rule.
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As Germany's oldest city, Trier boasts the most impressive collection of Roman monuments with nine astonishing UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The city was built in the late 4th century by the Celt and was named Treuorum until the Roman occupation 300 years later when it was renamed Augusta Treverorum under Augustus’s rule.
The city then witnessed a rapid flourishing due to its unique location on the river and at a crossroads, which made it become the capital of the Belgic division of Roman Gaul.
Today, Trier is the central hub in western Germany for water and rail traffic, making it the heart of trading for neighboring cities, especially for wine since it’s famous for being within the Moselle wine region.
With its history as the Roma Secunda and many Roman emperors residing in it, Trier is one of the best places to experience Roman history and culture.
One of the main highlights of Trier is the Porta Nigra, dating back to AD 180 and is one of Trier’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s considered the biggest city gate north of the Alps, dating back to the Roman era. Visitors will feel the greatness of the fallen empire as they wander through 7,200 massive sandstone blocks, especially since it has maintained its original shape despite undergoing renovations under Napoleon’s rule.
Another fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site is the Cathedral of Trier, built by the first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great. It’s considered the oldest church in Germany. Inside, visitors will witness history embodied in enchanting works of art and relics, including the Holy Robe, believed to be worn by Jesus.
The Basilica of Constantine was also built to be Constantine’s throne room, but it was transformed in the 19th century by Frederick William IV of Prussia to become one of the most mesmerizing Protestant churches in history. With astonishing 108-foot-tall ceilings and marble floors, the basilica is one of the most visited sites in Trier.
The Roman jewels of Trier don’t stop there; we can’t forget about the wondrous Roman amphitheater.
Used to house 20,000 spectators to watch gladiators and animal fights, the theatre maintains its intriguing atmosphere, especially with the dungeons under the arena used to keep death-sentenced prisoners.
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