Exploring Trier – The Oldest City in Germany

It’s so exciting to explore Trier, the oldest city in Germany because it is beautiful with full of history and charm. And, with its Roman ruins, medieval churches, and beautiful old streets. Trier has such a cozy, welcoming vibe and it is a place to visit in Germany.

The walking distance from Trier’s main train station (Trier Hauptbahnhof) to the city center or major landmarks is quite short. We walked for about 15-20 minutes to the Old Town of Trier. It would probably be shorter if we did not make many stops to take photos while walking.

While we were walking, we already saw the Porta Nigra from a distance. We noticed it right away because it’s right next to the road. It is massive and ancient, it will grab your attention immediately.

Porta Nigra

The Porta Nigra (Latin for “Black Gate”) is one of Trier’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient Roman city gate, constructed in the 2nd century AD, is extremely well-preserved. Visitors can climb up to its towers to enjoy the amazing views of the city and learn about its history through guided tours.

Porta Nigra in Trier, Germany was built from large, dark sandstone blocks, giving it a striking, ancient appearance. The facade features multiple rows of arched windows and openings, showing its Roman architectural style.

Visitors were walking around the square in front of the monument, some taking photos, some were admiring the site, and also some of them were on tours. The surrounding area features modern and traditional buildings, contrasting the ancient gateway. The cloudy sky adds to the timeless and slightly dramatic atmosphere of today.

The Market Square (Hauptmarkt)

This Trier’s main market square is a busy center and is surrounded by colorful medieval buildings. You can try delicious local food, buy cool souvenirs, or just enjoy the cheerful vibe. I had my first Schweinshaxe in one of the restaurants in this main market! It was really good! We just started exploring Trier the oldest city in Germany and we love the atmosphere here.

Strolling through the bustling city of Trier Market Square. This city is surrounded by vibrant buildings, shops, restaurants and cafes. The ambiance here makes you want to return again and again.

Cathedral of St. Peter

The Trier Cathedral features a fortress-like Romanesque façade with a mix of Gothic and Baroque features added later. The massive twin towers are so tall they stand out in the whole city of Trier.

Inside, it’s super impressive! There are soaring arches, intricate stained-glass windows, and fancy little ornate chapels. The old Romanesque part is beautiful, but the Gothic decorations and the fancy Baroque altars make it look magnificent.

Inside also is where the Jesus Robe (Holy Robe) is kept in a wooden shrine under a glass shrine. You can’t go inside but you can peek outside the gated glass inside. (See photos below.) Silence is being observed here because the shrine is considered sacred.

Overall, the Trier Cathedral is breathtaking to see both inside and out! The peaceful and impressive atmosphere makes it a special place to visit. You should definitely not skip the Trier Cathedral.

Church of Our Lady (The Liebfrauenkirche)

This oldest Gothic Church in Germany is located next to the Trier Cathedral. It is another architectural masterpiece. Its intricate stained-glass windows and ornate details make it a must-visit for those interested in ecclesiastical art and design.

Inside the church, there are many people, but it is very quiet. Everyone stays silent because we all understand this is a sacred place. The high ceilings and stone walls make even small sounds echo loudly, so talking would disturb the peacefulness. Surrounded by beautiful carvings, colorful stained glass, and so much history, being quiet shows respect and lets everyone pray, reflect, or simply enjoy the special atmosphere.

St. George’s Fountain

This fountain is nestled in the heart Kornmarkt Square. The intricate, Baroque artistry is a masterpiece. The fountain also has decorated basins and water spouts. The fountain is surrounded by cafes, shops, and benches, where you can enjoy the city’s vibe.

I sat down on the bench across the fountain and the timing was so perfect when a flock of birds flew over the statue, and it turned out to be one of the best photos and experiences I’ve ever had in my photography journey.

Electoral Palace

Another attraction to explore in Trier, Germany is the Electoral Palace. The rococo architecture of the palace is stunning. It has a well-maintained Baroque-style garden filled with colorful flowers, neatly trimmed hedges, and lovely pathways. Statues of gods and goddesses from Roman mythology decorate the space, adding to its charm.

The garden is a great place to relax and enjoy the views of the palace and the nearby Constantine Basilica. It’s open to the public, and visitors can take a walk, sit on benches, or enjoy the calm atmosphere.

I loved this garden. I had fun taking photos of the beautiful and vibrant flowers. If you love flowers, make sure to visit this place.

Summary

These attractions we visited are within a short walk of one another. They are clustered in or near the city center, making it convenient to explore several historic sites on foot. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes if plan on exploring this beautiful old town.

Trier has so much more to offer, with its stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, but unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to explore it all. Our visit was cut short as we had to leave to catch the last train, marking the end of our adventure. Despite the brief stay, I’m truly glad we decided to come here. Trier left a lasting impression with its charm and timeless beauty, making it an unforgettable destination that we hope to revisit in the future.

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