One of the oldest cities in Germany, Trier was also the seat of the western Roman empire (all of the way into Spain!), known as Augusta Treverorum. It was the most populous city north of the Alps, and it was heavily built up by the Romans.
When we first turned the corner and saw the Porta Nigra, I was absolutely stunned – it was so much bigger than I ever imagined it would be! It was huge! This gate, which at times throughout history was also built into a church, was one of a few gates into the old Roman city. Because it was incorporated into a church (later demolished), it actually survived unlike the other gates.
We spent a bit of time around Porta Nigra, and also we got the chance to go up it, which provided amazing views of the city streets. I especially loved looking out southeast toward the train station, with beautiful buildings against a steep hill of vineyards.
Further into town, an old vaulted Roman building is now a church that is right up against the more “modern” Rococo style palace, built in the 17th century, which is now a seat of government. From across the vast lawn, the Roman imperial baths were started before the empire collapsed and the building stopped. The Romans had grand plans for Trier and needed a larger, more elaborate baths, but history changed course.
The Roman influences in Trier were such a neat surprise! I really didn’t know what to expect, and being able to walk those same roads was magnificent (especially when it wasn’t raining!).
