The old city of Trier
July 5, 1996
It's been more than 12 years since I've visited Trier, which is the oldest town in Germany. I was only a little girl, but the fact that I remember so much of it, illustrates perfectly what a wonderful place this is.
When the Roman emperor August build this city he named it Augusta Treverorum, and for some time it became the capital of the West Roman Empire. Therefore, Trier is most known for it's Roman monuments and architecture, like the Porta Negra. And these Roman remains are declared UNESCO world inheritance. Although, there are several other things to admire in this amazing town.
The city is placed in a beautiful region, called the Moezel. Known for it's wine, this is not only a great place to taste the different brands, but also to admire the lovely landscape, where grape covered slopes meet the Moezel river. I remember we made long walks through the scenery, and that my brother and I had to drink a lot of grape juice while my parents went from one place to another drinking wine. We didn't get the fun of that at such early age though. I think I should go back and taste for myself ;)
There's a nice website about Trier that is also available in English:
http://redaktion.trier.de/praefectus/trier?tourist_en
When the Roman emperor August build this city he named it Augusta Treverorum, and for some time it became the capital of the West Roman Empire. Therefore, Trier is most known for it's Roman monuments and architecture, like the Porta Negra. And these Roman remains are declared UNESCO world inheritance. Although, there are several other things to admire in this amazing town.
The city is placed in a beautiful region, called the Moezel. Known for it's wine, this is not only a great place to taste the different brands, but also to admire the lovely landscape, where grape covered slopes meet the Moezel river. I remember we made long walks through the scenery, and that my brother and I had to drink a lot of grape juice while my parents went from one place to another drinking wine. We didn't get the fun of that at such early age though. I think I should go back and taste for myself ;)
There's a nice website about Trier that is also available in English:
http://redaktion.trier.de/praefectus/trier?tourist_en
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The Roman empires black gate
The most famous monument in Trier is the Porta Nigra, which means Black Gate. I remember to be so amazed when I was a child. It dates from the second century and was the northern gate of a 6,5 kilometers long wall around the city. Because of the bricks were made of sandstone, the building became black over time, which explains the name Puerta Nigra.
In the early 11th century, a Greek hermit had himself locked in one of the towers. After his death, the bishop had a church build around the Puerta Nigra. Today, this church is, except from the choir, completely gone. But it did however save the gate from being demolished in the dark ages.
Right next to the Porta Nigra is the Simon Cloister. It is the only early Roman cloister that is left in the whole of Germany.
The Porta Nigra was placed on the UNESCO list of world inheritance in the year 1986.
In the early 11th century, a Greek hermit had himself locked in one of the towers. After his death, the bishop had a church build around the Puerta Nigra. Today, this church is, except from the choir, completely gone. But it did however save the gate from being demolished in the dark ages.
Right next to the Porta Nigra is the Simon Cloister. It is the only early Roman cloister that is left in the whole of Germany.
The Porta Nigra was placed on the UNESCO list of world inheritance in the year 1986.
Trier's colosseum
At the early 2th century, an arena was build in Trier. As today we go and watch football, the Romans went to see slightly more violent "shows" of gladiators fighting each other and wild animals. The amphitheater here could house about 20.000 spectators, yet don't expect to see a second Colosseum. This is an ancient remaining that is most definitely valuable for history. Therefore it is listed by the UNESCO. Yet who expects to see some great architectural monument will probably be disappointed by it. I remember really liking it as a child though. It was so easy to imagine the Romans shouting and cheering, when sitting here on one of these ancient stones.
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Represents architecture of over 1650 years
Another thing I remember really well about our Trier visit is the Dome, a wonderful church, that is in fact Tiers cathedral, and the oldest bishops church in Germany. This as well, is Unesco inheritance.
This dome has a long building history. It's foundations are those of a 4th century palace, ordered by emperor Constantine. Later on, many different buildings stood here. That's why it is hard to say how old the church really is. All together, it represents architecture of over 1650 years!
This dome has a long building history. It's foundations are those of a 4th century palace, ordered by emperor Constantine. Later on, many different buildings stood here. That's why it is hard to say how old the church really is. All together, it represents architecture of over 1650 years!
Were Romans were bathing in luxury
The Kaiserthermen are an old Roman Thermal complex. It could be compared to an Haman, or our modern sauna's. And in fact, modern is exactly what this building was.
As old as 17 centuries, this complex had baths of different temperatures, from cold to hot. The underground maze of passages and heating ovens was superb and worked perfectly.
Although it are the underground area's that are preserved best, the hot water bathing area is most notable, as these are the only walls that are still standing.
This monumental building had all comfort one could ask for, and was very luxurious. Floors were heated, walls were covered by marble and mosaic, rooms were decorated by paintings and sculptures. No wonder these remains are on the Unesco list of inheritance.
It is though a real pity that no more of it was preserved. Of all the splendor I described above, hardly anything is seen today. One can only imagine the beauty the Kaiserthermen must have displayed, as it is all gone. Yet they are still a remarkable place, that tells us more about Roman culture and history. I think they are definitely worth a visit when in Trier.
As old as 17 centuries, this complex had baths of different temperatures, from cold to hot. The underground maze of passages and heating ovens was superb and worked perfectly.
Although it are the underground area's that are preserved best, the hot water bathing area is most notable, as these are the only walls that are still standing.
This monumental building had all comfort one could ask for, and was very luxurious. Floors were heated, walls were covered by marble and mosaic, rooms were decorated by paintings and sculptures. No wonder these remains are on the Unesco list of inheritance.
It is though a real pity that no more of it was preserved. Of all the splendor I described above, hardly anything is seen today. One can only imagine the beauty the Kaiserthermen must have displayed, as it is all gone. Yet they are still a remarkable place, that tells us more about Roman culture and history. I think they are definitely worth a visit when in Trier.
