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.
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.
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.
Keiserthermen (Imperial Baths)Weimarer Allee/ Kaiserstr Tel. (0651) 442 62 Open: Apr- Sep: 9am- 6pm daily Oct- Jan: 9am- 5pm daily Keiserthermen or Imperial Baths were constructed in the early fourth century during reign of emperor Constantine. It was third largest bathing complex in the ancient Roman Empire. Ancient baths contained large outdoor area for exercise known a palaestra. Additionally it had a frigidarium (cold baths) and tepidarium (warm baths) as well as caldarium or hot water pool that is probably one of the better preserved portions of the ancient complex. The underground system is preserved in a fairly good condition.
Rheinisches Landesmuseum
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Roman Bridge
Roman AmphitheaterPetrisberg Tel. (0651) 730 10 Open: Apr- Sep: 9am- 6pm Oct- Mar: 9am- 5pm Roman Amphitheater of Trier is situated near the Roman Imperial Baths. The arena was was constructed in the first century AD and was apparently designed as a smaller version of the Coliseum in Rome. Countless number of gladiators and animals were massacred on its sand. Over 20,000 of residents could be seated with distinct separation between social classes. With introduction of Christianity gladiator fights were outlawed throughout the empire. During the 5th century abandoned area was use primary as a refuge spot for local citizens against Germanic raids that became more frequent.
Basilica und Kurfurstliches SchlossKonstantinplatz Tel. (0651) 42 570 Open: Apr- Oct: 10am- 6pm Mon- Sat, noon- 6pm Sun Nov- Mar: 11am- noon and 3- 4pm Tue- Sat, noon- 1pm Sun Basilica that is known as Aula Palatina (Palatinate hall) dates back to 310 to the time when Christianity was not even legalized in the Ancient Roman Empire. It has a basic rectangular shape that is 67 m (220 feet) long, 27.5 m (90 feet) and 30 m (98 feet) high. It was an official building where Roman Emperor or his representative would beet his subjects. His throne stood in the vast semi- circular apse. Apse was turned into a tower in the 12th century. Later it was transformed into a military barracks during Napoleonic times. In 1856 it was transformed into a Protestant church of Saint Sabiour. |