Trier: Walk in Roman footsteps in one of Germany’s oldest cities

By Natalia Lynch

U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Public Affairs Office

No matter what season, Trier is always an enjoyable place to visit. It lies on the banks of the Mosel River in Rheinland-Pfalz, only 50 km from Luxembourg’s capital.

It takes three hours to arrive there by train from Wiesbaden’s Hauptbahnhof (main train station). Trier is considered Germany’s oldest city, founded around 16 BC, and it is one of the few cities that have at one time been capitals of the Roman Empire.

Along with its rich history, Trier is also known for its well-preserved historical sights, including:

The Porta Nigra, a massive and astonishingly well-preserved Roman city gate;

Ruins of the largest Roman baths north of the Alps;

The Roman amphitheater;

The huge Constantine Basilica, which was the 67-meter-long throne hall of the Roman Emperor Constantine, and is now a Protestant church.

The Trier Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church. It houses the Holy Tunic, said to be the robe Jesus was wearing when he died, which is displayed at irregular intervals only every few decades.

Karl Marx House, a museum exhibiting many aspects of this social philosopher’s public and private life, as well as the development of socialism in the 19th century.

Trier is easy to navigate by yourself, but guided tours are available with the USO if you prefer. (Natalie Lynch is a student volunteer with the garrison Public Affairs Office)