Trier – The ancient capital of the Roman Empire in the West

The ancient town of Trier dates back to around 16 BC, making it the oldest city in Germany. It used to be the capital of the Western part of the Roman Empire. The influences of the Romans can still be seen. Today it has not only cultural and historical significance but also religious and is one of the holy sites for Catholics (though I was unaware of the same till I visited).

Some of the important sites in Trier:

• The Porta Nigra is the best preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps.
• The Roman Baths, some of which are the largest north of the Alps.
• The Constantine Basilica which was the 67m long throne hall of Roman Emperor Constantine. However today it is used as a Protestant church.
• The Trier Cathedral or Dom St. Peter, a Roman Catholic church which dates back to Roman times. It is home to the Holy Tunic, a garment with a recorded history back to the 12th century, in Catholic tradition said to be the robe Jesus was wearing when he died. It is only exhibited every few decades, at irregular intervals.
• The Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), which is one of the most important early Gothic cathedrals in Germany and falls into the architectural tradition of the French Gothic cathedrals.
• The Roman amphitheatre.
  
  
  

The imposing Porta Nigra

Vineyards

View of the city

Vineyards, the amphitheatre and the Roman baths

Cute buildings

The market square

The Constantine Basilica

The palace

The Imperial Baths

Christian religious symbols

The Trier cathedral

The altar and the site of the Holy Tunic

The beautiful ceiling

The courtyard

The Church of our Lady