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Trier

Trier (Latin Augusta Treverorum) is a city in the west of Rhineland-Palatinate. With around 110,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest city after Mainz, Ludwigshafen am Rhein and Koblenz.

The city was founded more than 2000 years ago under the name Augusta Treverorum (Treveris from the second half of the 3rd century) and claims the title of the oldest city in Germany. Trier refers to the longest history as a city already recognized by the Romans, in contrast to a settlement or an army camp.

The Roman monuments in Trier have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. These include the amphitheater, Barbarathermen, Kaiserthermen, Konstantinbasilika, Porta Nigra, Roman bridge and the Igel column in Igel. The Romanesque cathedral and the early Gothic Church of Our Lady are also part of the Trier World Heritage Site. In addition, there are cultural monuments in Trier from almost all epochs from early history to the 21st century.

Trier is the seat of the University of Trier and the University of Trier, the administration of the district Trier-Saarburg, the administration of the Verbandsgemeinde Trier-Land, the supervisory and service directorate (ADD, Trier district government until 1999), several offices of the state investigation office (LUA), one Office of the State Office for Social Affairs, Youth and Supply of Rhineland-Palatinate and a Roman Catholic diocese (Diocese of Trier, the oldest north of the Alps) and the Protestant church district of Trier.

Background

Trier was founded by Emperor Augustus in 16 BC at the latest. BC, which is documented by the construction of the first Roman Moselle bridge. As a settlement area of ​​the Treveri, the origins of the city go back to pre-Roman times. The city's importance in the Roman Empire grew rapidly; a city fortification was built, an amphitheater and thermal baths were built. In the 3rd century Trier rose to become the provincial capital. At times various Roman emperors resided in Trier, especially Constantine the Great, which made the city the capital of the Western Roman Empire. In its ancient heyday, Trier had around 80,000 inhabitants, making it the largest city north of the Alps.

With the invasion of the Teutons and the destruction of the city by the Vikings, Trier lost its importance. As a bishopric, however, Trier experienced a renewed heyday in the Middle Ages. The cathedral and the Liebfrauenkirche as well as a city fortification were built, the course of which is still marked today by the alley ring.

A special attraction today are the numerous Roman and medieval monuments, above all the symbol of the city, the Porta Nigra. These historical buildings are concentrated in the pretty, compact inner city - pedestrian zones and numerous squares invite you to stroll, shop and relax. As a university town and regional cultural and economic center, Trier is still a lively city today. Trier is also known as the birthplace of Karl Marx.

Trier is scenically beautiful in the Moselle valley and borders on the low mountain regions of the Eifel and Hunsrück.

Districts
The city of Trier consists of 19 districts, many of which still have the character of independent localities. The following districts are particularly interesting for visitors:

Ehrang / Quint - one of the largest districts, north of the city center on the left bank of the Moselle at the mouth of the Kyll. The district is made up of the communities Ehrang and Quint, which were independent until the 1960s. Due to its location away from the city center, Ehrang / Quint has retained the character of a small town with numerous shops and restaurants. Ehrang is the starting point of the Kylltal cycle path. Quinter Castle is well worth seeing.
Olewig - a wine village in the southeast of the city. Olewig is known for its restaurants and wine bars as well as the annual Olewig wine festival.
Pfalzel - located between Ehrang and the city center on the left bank of the Moselle. Pfalzel's history goes back to a palace-like castle complex from the 4th century (Pfalzel = small Palatinate). In the Middle Ages, the castle was expanded, a nunnery was established and a wall was built. Parts of the medieval town center and the ramparts are still preserved today.
Ruwer - located north of the city center on the right bank of the Moselle at the mouth of the Ruwer river of the same name. Ruwer is the starting point of the Ruwer-Hochwald-Radweg.

Travel Destinations in Trier

Cathedral of Saint Peter and Liebfrauenkirche

Cathedral:

Tel. (0651) 979 07 90

Apr- Oct: 6:30am- 6pm daily

Nov- Mar: 6:30am- 5:30pm daily

Liebfrauenkirche:

An der Meerkatz 4

Tel. (0651) 425 54

Open: Apr- Oct: 7:30am- 6pm daily

Nov- Mar: 7:30am- 5:30pm daily

Cathedral of Saint Peter or Dom St. Peter is the largest cathedral in Trier constructed in 1235- 60. It is also one of the first Gothic churches in Germany and Europe in general. Adjourning to cathedral is Liebfrauenkirche or Church of Our Dear Lady. According to tradition of the Catholic Church Cathedral of Saint Peter is the resting place of Christ's tunic he wore on a day of the crucifixion. Cathedral contains several tombs of important and notable figures including that of Karl von Metternich (1636) in the Northeast chapel.

Porta Nigra

Tel. (0651) 754 24

Open: Apr- Sept: 9am- 6pm daily

Oct- Mar: 9am- 5pm daily

Porta Nigra or a Black Gate is an ancient Roman structure that protected the entrance to the ancient town of Tier. It still impresses modern tourists with its sheer size. It is 36 meters (118 feet) long, 30 meters (27 feet) high and 21.5 meters (70.5 feet) wide. The gate is constructed from sandstone blocks held together by iron rods without any mortar. The Western tower is in perfect condition, but the Eastern tower was apparently torn down when it was turned into a Christian Church in a medieval period in the 12th century. It was dedicated to Saint Simeon and was used until the 19th century.