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Trier used to be second only to Rome, in the Roman Empire. Discover a number of surviving monuments and structures of a very high quality in the “Rome of the North”.
The UNESCO World Heritage List includes over a thousand properties. They have outstanding universal value and are all part of the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
Official facts
- Official title: Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St Peter and Church of Our Lady in Trier
- Country: Germany
- Date of Inscription: 1986
- Category: Cultural
UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre’s short description of site no. 367:
Trier, which stands on the Moselle River, was a Roman colony from the 1st century AD and then a great trading centre beginning in the next century. It became one of the capitals of the Tetrarchy at the end of the 3rd century, when it was known as the ‘second Rome’. The number and quality of the surviving monuments are an outstanding testimony to Roman civilization.
More about it
Trier, a city in western Germany on the Moselle river, was a Roman colony from the 1st century A.D. and grew into a major trading hub in the 2nd century. By the late 3rd century, it was one of the capitals of the Roman Empire, earning the nickname ‘second Rome’. Trier is packed with well-preserved Roman monuments, making it the best place north of the Alps to see Roman history up close.
In its heyday, Trier was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire and was a key administrative centre. The city has several notable Roman structures from the 1st and 2nd centuries, such as the Moselle Bridge, Barbara Baths, Porta Nigra, and the lgel Column, showcasing its commercial prosperity. Later buildings from Constantine’s era, like the Imperial Baths, Aula Palatina, and the Cathedral, highlight the city’s imperial significance.
The Porta Nigra is especially remarkable for its unique design and state of preservation. The Basilica’s massive interior stands as a testament to Roman power. The Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in the Western world. It combines architectural elements from various periods and features significant artworks and archbishops’ tombs. Moreover, the Church of Our Lady is a standout example of French High Gothic style outside France, known for its pure design and innovative layout.
My visit
I arrived in Trier on a day trip out of Luxembourg, a short train ride away. Prior to my visit in 2024 I had made myself a city map with several sights worth visiting, including the Roman remains. I have not yet written any account or travelogue from my visit. We’ll see about that some time in the future. In the meantime I include my map in this post, to set you going on your own exploration of this fascinating town.
Trier definitely deserves a visit because of the quality and number of Roman monuments. The huge Porta Nigra is a natural gateway to the old city centre. On the other side of the town centre we find the amphitheatre and there are several remains of baths in between. The ancient bridge is still in use.
In addition, Trier is a very pleasant German city with churches, buildings, streets and street life you will most certainly find interesting. The images above concentrates on the World Heritage Site.
Find more articles from Germany here on Sandalsand.
