Introduction
Trier, founded in 16 BC during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus, holds the distinction of being Germany's oldest city. Located in the western part of Germany in the Rhineland-Palatinate state, close to the borders with Luxembourg, Trier is approximately 200 kilometres west of Frankfurt and about 50 kilometres east of Luxembourg City. The city boasts an impressive nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Porta Nigra (the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps), the Amphitheatre, Imperial Baths, St. Peter's Cathedral (Germany's oldest bishop's church), and the Church of Our Lady. Beyond its rich Roman heritage, Trier offers visitors a vibrant atmosphere with cobbled streets lined with pretty Baroque and Gothic buildings, surrounded by hills, forests and the Mosel region's world-famous vineyards. The city's location in the Mosel valley makes it a top holiday destination, where visitors can enjoy excellent wines from the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer wine-growing regions, alongside a diverse cultural scene featuring music, performing arts and seasonal festivals.
Interesting Facts about Trier
- Trier, founded in 16 BC under Emperor Augustus, is Germany's oldest city.
- The Porta Nigra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps.
- Trier served as one of four capitals of the Roman Empire during the Tetrarchy in the late 3rd century.
- The city's Roman Amphitheatre once hosted gladiatorial combats for crowds of up to 20,000 spectators.
- Trier Cathedral, the oldest church in Germany, houses the Holy Tunic believed to be worn by Jesus during his crucifixion.
- The Roman Bridge over the Moselle River remains the oldest standing bridge in Germany after 1,800 years.
- Nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites coexist in Trier, blending Roman monuments with medieval Christian architecture.
- Karl Marx, founder of communist theory, was born in Trier in 1818; his childhood home is now a museum.
- Trier's location in the Moselle Valley makes it a hub for renowned Riesling wine production.
- The city's Hauptmarkt square hosts an annual Old City Festival with roots in medieval trading traditions.
History
Founded in 30 BCE, Trier was known to the Romans as Augusta Treverorum ("City of Augustus in the land of the Treveri"). The city was part of Gallia Belgica of which it became the capital in 16 BCE. It was situated at the boundaries of Germania Inferior to the north-west, and Germania Superior to the south-east.
Trier became a bishopric as early as the second half of the 3rd century, with Saint Eucharius as its first bishop. It is during this troubled period that a revolt broke out, and that the provinces of Britannia, Gallia and Hispania split from the Roman Empire to create the Gallic Empire (Imperium Galliarum form 260 to 273). Its first emperor was Marcus Cassianius Latinius Postumus, who set up his capital in Cologne. His successors, Tetricus I and Tetricus II moved the capital to Trier.
In 275, the city was destroyed by the Alamanni from southern Germania. From 293 to 395, Trier had become the largest city north of the Alps, and was one of the residences of the Western Roman Emperor, notably Constantius II, Valentinian I and Theodosius I. Emperor Constantine (306-337) expanded the city and built such monuments as the Palastaula (known today as the Constantine Basilica) and the Imperial Baths. Magnus Maximus ruled the Western Empire from Trier between 383 and 388.
Various Germanic tribes invaded the region from 350 onwards. Trier was sacked and captured by the Franks (possibly in 413 and 421), and became definitively part of Frankish territory (Francia Rhinensis) in 475. As a result of the conflicts of this period, Trier's population decreased from an estimated 80,000 in the 4th century to 5,000 at the beginning of the 6th century.
Trier was located at the heart of the Merovingian Frankish kingdom, then of the Carolingian Empire. After the split of the empire between Charlemagne's 3 grandsons in 843, Trier became part of East Francia, what would become Germany. The Archbishop of Trier became one of the seven Electors of the Holy Roman Empire.
One of the most important figure of Trier's medieval history was Baldwin of Luxembourg (c. 1285-1354), Archbishop Elector of Trier and Archchancellor of Burgundy, who was also the brother of Emperor Henry VII and the granduncle of Emperor Charles IV. Thanks to his family influence, he expanded the territories of Trier, built several castles and brought prosperity to the city.
In 1473, the University of Trier was founded, only 87 years after the University of Heidelberg - the oldest university in Germany. However, the university was suppressed in 1798, and only reopened in 1970. The electoral archbishopric was also dissolved by the French in 1794.
Attractions
Trier possess some of the best preserved Roman buildings in Northern Europe. The impressive Porta Nigra ("black gate"), a Roman city gate, is unequaled north of the Alps. The same can be said of the ruins of three Roman baths. The Constantine Basilica was constructed by Emperor Constantine (280-337) as an imperial palace, with notably a 67m long throne hall. Nowadays it is used as a Protestant church. Also note the Roman amphitheatre and the Roman bridge.
Trier's medieval architecture is not to be overlooked either. The Cathedral of Trier (Trierer Dom in German - pictured right) was built over the foundations of Constantine's church, parts of which can still be seen. The present edifice combines Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements. It is said to be home to the Holy Tunic, a piece of garment presumably worn by Jesus when he died.
The Church of Our Lady (Liebfrauenkirche in German) served as the city's cathedral prior to the above. It is inspired by the great Gothic cathedrals of France.
St. Matthew Abbey (Abtei St. Matthias in German) is a monastery built on a medieval church, where the only apostle north of the Alps is presumably buried.
The Baroque buildings of Trier have nothing to envy to their predecessors, as St. Paulin Church and the Electoral Palace (pictured right) of Trier demonstrate.
On the banks of the Moselle, two old treadwheel cranes stand as witnesses of the technology of the past. The oldest, the Trierian Moselle Crane (Trierer Moselkrahn) dates from 1413, while the more recent one, the Old Customs Crane (Alte Zollkran) was built in 1776.
The city also has a few interesting museums, like Rheinisches Landesmuseum (an important Roman archaeological museum), the Städtisches Museum Simeonstift (local history), the Toy Museum of Trier, or the Ethnological and open air museum Roscheider Hof.
Top Museums
Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier (Rhineland Federal State Museum)
This museum is a heavyweight among Germany's archaeological museums, featuring an impressive collection of Roman antiquities. The permanent exhibition spans from the Stone Age to the Baroque period, with over 4,500 objects on display. Highlights include:
- The Neumagen Wine Ship, a sculpture from 220 AD
- The largest collection of mosaics north of the Alps
- A treasure trove of Roman gold coins weighing 18.5 kg
- A scale model of 4th-century Trier
- The 'Trierer Spruchbecher' wine cups, a top export in Late Antiquity
- A wooden 'foundation plaque' supporting Trier's claim as Germany's oldest city
The museum also offers a captivating 'In the Realm of Shadows' spatial media theatre, which brings ancient tombs to life with colour projections.
Museum am Dom (Cathedral Museum)
Located near Trier Cathedral, this museum houses the art collection of the Diocese of Trier, focusing on early Christian art. Notable exhibits include:
- A 3rd-century ceiling fresco from the imperial palace
- A reconstructed crypt of the Benedictine church of St. Maximin
- Roman textiles and medieval church vestments
- Early Gothic statues from the Liebfrauenkirche
- The tomb of Bishop Karl von Metternich
Stadtmuseum Simeonstift (City Museum Simeonstift)
Situated in the former St. Simeon's College, this museum offers a comprehensive look at Trier's history from antiquity to the present day. The exhibition features:
- About 900 objects spanning 2,000 years of town history
- Paintings, sculptures, porcelain, and textiles
- An outstanding collection of Eastern Asian objects
- Over 40 media stations and 80 film contributions
- Exhibits addressing contemporary issues such as migration, sports, and mobility
Bischöfliches Dom- und Diözesanmuseum (Episcopal Museum)
This museum showcases the rich ecclesiastical history of Trier, featuring:
- Coptic and medieval arte collections
- Statues displayed in the southern part of the cloister building
- The original oak beam floor from 1060
Toy Museum
While not extensively detailed in the search results, Trier's Toy Museum is mentioned as an additional attraction for visitors.
Local Cuisine
Trier's cuisine reflects its unique position near France and Luxembourg, offering a delightful blend of influences alongside traditional German fare. Visitors should sample gefüllte Klöße (dumplings stuffed with meat), Flieten (dry-rub chicken wings) and Kappes Teerdisch (a hearty combination of potatoes, sauerkraut and bacon). The city is particularly proud of its Spießbraten (spit-roast pork), often served with a glossy brown bacon and onion sauce at traditional wine taverns. Other local specialities include Debbekoche or Scholes (potato bakes) and Tertich or Cräwes (potato purée with sauerkraut). Wine features prominently in Trier's gastronomy, with Riesling used not only as an accompaniment but also as an ingredient in dishes like Riesling herb soup, Riesling duck, and Riesling wine jelly. For a truly authentic experience, try Tresterfleish, a distinctive pork dish marinated in grape pomace that represents one of the region's most famous culinary traditions.
Shopping
Trier offers a vibrant shopping experience with its extensive pedestrianised old quarter. The main shopping thoroughfares extend from the Porta Nigra along Simeonstrasse, Hauptmarkt, Brotstrasse, Fleischstrasse and Neustrasse, featuring designer fashion boutiques, department stores, lifestyle shops, jewellers, specialist outlets and antique shops. The Trier Galerie, the city's largest shopping centre, houses approximately 56 shops across three floors, including popular brands like Zara, s.Oliver, New Yorker and Deichmann. For unique purchases, Neustrasse is particularly notable for its creative shops, including designer clothing at Nusia Design Manufaktur and Fräulein Prusselise, handcrafted items at Ideenreich gallery, and books at Der kleine Buchfink. Quality souvenirs, Roman coins, sculptures, books about Trier and local wines can be found at the tourist information office next to the Porta Nigra, while unusual souvenirs are available at stalls in Grabenstrasse. The shops in Trier typically open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 to 20:00, with special Sunday shopping days scheduled throughout the year.
Nature in and around Trier
Trier and its surrounding area offer a variety of natural attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. The city boasts several parks and green spaces, including the Electoral Palace Garden, a picturesque area adjacent to the historic palace. Just outside the city, Nells Ländchen state park combines relaxation with recreational activities. Nature lovers can explore the Mattheiser Wald, a forest area with hiking trails and scenic views. The Römerpfad offers a scenic hiking route, while the Mosel Embankment provides pleasant walkways along the river. For those interested in wildlife, the Weißhauswald forest features a game reserve and picnic facilities, making it ideal for family outings. Further afield, the Wild- & Erlebnispark Daun and the Adler- und Wolfspark Kasselburg offer opportunities to observe various animal species in natural settings. The region's natural beauty is also showcased in attractions like the Sirzenicher Wasserfall, a picturesque waterfall accessible via hiking trails.
Getting There & Around
Trier is easily accessible by various transport options. The city enjoys excellent rail connections, with regular regional express services connecting to major cities like Cologne, Mannheim, and Luxembourg City via Trier Hauptbahnhof, which is within walking distance of the main attractions. If you prefer driving, Trier can be reached via the A1 and A64 highways, though parking in the city centre can be challenging. For those coming from further afield, international buses serve Trier's Central Bus Station with connections to various European cities. Once in Trier, you'll find it's a wonderfully compact city where most attractions are within walking distance of each other. Public transport is efficient for longer journeys, with the VRT network operating 270 bus and train lines throughout the region. For regular travellers, the MobilTicket subscription offers excellent value, while single tickets and day passes are also available. The "4 FahrtenTicket" is particularly good value for short trips within Trier, costing just €6 for four journeys.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Trier largely depends on your preferences. For those seeking pleasant weather, the summer months of June, July, and August are ideal, offering warm temperatures and longer days perfect for sightseeing and wine tasting. However, these months are also the busiest, which may result in higher accommodation costs. Alternatively, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) provide a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer tourists and lower prices. These seasons offer stable temperatures and a chance to enjoy the city's historic sites without the crowds. If you're looking for a unique experience, visiting in December can be enchanting, thanks to the festive Christmas markets.
