Trier, Germany

Trier, with its Roman “Black Gate”. Photo © 2017 Aaron Saunders

History

The German town of Trier holds the distinction of being the oldest settled town in the country and was founded around 16 BCE.  It is situated along the banks of the Moselle river in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

With a population of over 100,000 inhabitants, Trier is a popular tourist destination thanks to its historic appeal, ease of access for river cruise passengers, and close proximity to Luxembourg, Belgium. Trier is also an ideal destination for wine aficionados, thanks to its location in the important Moselle wine-growing region.

Your River Cruise Ship Docks…

Most river cruise ships dock on the outskirts of Trier; this shouldn’t pose a problem, though, as transportation into town is typically offered on many river cruises.

Crystal Bach docked near Trier, Germany. © 2019 Ralph Grizzle

When in Trier…

There’s plenty of ways to enjoy your time in this wonderfully preserved German city. Be sure to take in the historic Roman ruins; not only are they breathtaking, they’re also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Among the best ways to spend your day in Trier:

• Porta Nigra Gate – you’ll think you’ve stepped back in time to ancient Rome when you gaze upon the imposing Porta Nigra gate.  Originally constructed in 186AD, the gate is the best-preserved example of Roman architecture north of the Alps. It’s name literally translates as “black gate” in Latin.
• Liebfrauenkirche– The Church of Our Lady is another exquisitely preserved site. An important early Gothic cathedral, it’s easy to see the French influence exhibited here.
• Roman Baths & Amphitheatre – Trier is home to three preserved Roman baths that are definitely worth a look.  The Amphitheatre used to seat up to 20,000 spectators at a single event.
• Rheinisches Landesmuseum – this fascinating museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of Trier, from the Neanderthals to present-day human settlements. It hosts a library with over 200,000 volumes, making it the largest in Germany.  It is also the largest museum in the Rhineland district of Germany.

River Cruisers Should Know!

• The currency in Germany is the Euro (€).
• Crime of any sort is generally not an issue in Trier; still, it pays to exercise the same degree of caution you would in any city or town.
• Knowledge of basic German can go a long way. While most people should speak at least some English, this may not always be the case.