Trier, Germany

July 23, 2016-

Today we will visit the historic town of Trier, Germany. Nicknamed the Roman Empire in Germany. Trier is Germany's oldest city, founded by the Romans in 16 B.C. Constantine the Great became emperor of the western region of the Roman Empire and moved to Trier, the capital of the western front. This significant leader would control the entire Empire and adopt Christianity. Several Roman ruins are present today in Trier, most of them attributed to Constantine. Most famous is our first stop, and by the tourist information center- Porta Nigra. This "black gate" was built around 180 A.D. is one of the best preserved Roman gates in the world! Tours are provided and you can enter the gate for a small fee.

Although most of St. Peter's Cathedral is medieval, this site sits on the remains of Trier's early Roman structures, including Constantine's gigantic palace and basilica complex. A tour does explore the excavated underground site to see columns, reliefs, and tombs. This is considered the oldest bishop's church in Germany, dating back to the 4th Century. The Cathedral is home to the most precious relic-the Holy Tunic, supposedly worn by Jesus shortly before his crucifixion and later brought to Trier by Constantine's mother, Helena. Church of Our Lady, Liebfrauenkirche, is connected to St. Peter's. This smaller church is still impressive in size when you walk in. This 13th Century church is considered the earliest Gothic church in Germany.

The Basilica of Constantine was constructed in the 4th Century as his audience hall or throne room for Emperor Constantine the Great. It is very impressive in size and window optical illusion which portray the emperor as larger than his audience. Today this building is a church.

Roman amphitheater dates back to at least the second century, 160-200 A.D. and is one of the few Roman amphitheaters utilized for open air events. Originally it was capable of seating 20,000. It was used for Gladiator fights, musical recitals, religious festivals, executions, and animal battles. The supporting cement masonry was mixed with limestone locks. The side walls of the vaulted passages were also reinforced against the earth pressure with semi-circular relieving arches. The basement below the arena is still intact with holding cells and hallways used to confine animals and prisoners during events. When the Roman domination and culture came to an end, the amphitheater lost its function.

Imperial Baths of Trier, Kaiserthermen, are one of the most well preserved and largest examples outside of Rome. Like the luxurious baths today, Romans constructed bath houses as both hygienic and social gathering places. Heated water and heated floors with different temperature baths within rooms is amazing engineering and plumbing advances for this time.

Barbara Baths, Barbarathermen, dating back to the second Century this massive complex is well preserved with baths in the lower levels and a walking path elevated above so you are able to look down into what was the sections of the bath rooms.

Roman Bridge, Romerbrucke, is the oldest bridge north of the Alps, pylons from Roman times, 2nd Century arches. The bridge is still intact, able to drive, walk, and cycle across to cross the Mosel River.

Next stop, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. In only 40 minutes by car we are in another country!