The German city of Trier is located on the banks of the Moselle River, approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) away from the Luxembourg border. Formerly known as Trèves, it is considered to be the oldest city in Germany and its history is told through the attractions and monuments that exist there to this day. It was founded during the Roman Empire and since then, it has continued to be essential to many of the different peoples who have lived there. Trier now boasts a key position in several different eras of Western Europe’s history, and much of it is preserved somehow in present times.
On top of being the capital of the Roman Empire in the 3rd century, Trier was also one of the largest cities in the historic empire. Around this time, the city had four stone gates which would guard each side of the city. In the Middle Ages, well after the fall of the empire, the gates were disassembled and repurposed. However, the northern gate, now known as Porta Nigra (latin for black gate), still stands. In modern times, the gate is in great condition, given its age, although some damage from the medieval disassembly can be observed. Interactive tours are offered by a guide who is dressed as a Roman centurion in full armor.
Dave was stationed in Germany for three years while serving in the Air Force. When I first met him, he had a framed poster of Trier. That was in 1997…fast forward to 2025 and I finally got to step inside that poster in real life.
Trier is an extraordinary city and totally worth a visit if you enjoy history, Roman architecture, and exploring. When we arrived by train, the train station was an easy walk to Ponta Nigra, the building in the photo above. Just through the arches and across the street was our hotel, which I highly recommend for the night time views you can enjoy from your hotel room (be sure to request a room with a view).
When we arrived that morning, we dropped our luggage at the hotel and immediately went out to start exploring. The furthest point was the amptheatre, so we decided to start there and work our way back. Google Maps took us the long way around, up a hill that had our calves screaming for days, but it was a worthy starting point!
A remnant of the city’s Roman history is the Trier Amphitheater. Like many Roman amphitheaters of the time, Trier’s was used quite often for gladiator events and animal shows. The amphitheater could hold 20,000 people and is the 10th largest Roman amphitheater still standing today.
Ancient Rome is not the only focal point of Trier. Trier is also home to the birthplace of the philosopher Karl Marx, whose ideas would go on to influence socialism and communism. The home in which he was born, now known as the Karl Marx Haus, has been turned into a museum. Although he spent a mere 15 months of his life in Trier, the museum has become a way to commemorate his life, as well as educating visitors on the history of communism.
Home of Karl Marx in Trier
This all barely scratches the surface of the storied history that Trier has gone through as the alleged oldest city in Germany. There are monuments and attractions that will be interesting to many who visit, whether they be fans of history or philosophy, or art and culture buffs. With eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Trier’s rich background attracts over five million visitors a year. It’s an absolute must-visit with anyone with an interest in the extensive history of Germany, and of Western Europe as a whole.
How we got here: Deutchland Ticket
Where to stay: Mercure Hotel Porta Nigra
Where to eat: Weinstube Kesselstatt
Tips: It may seem like you need a lot of time in Trier, but a day or two is sufficient. You’ll be very close to the border of Luxembourg, so consider adding a day there.
