Trier, the oldest and most Roman city in Germany, is often dubbed the Pearl of the Moselle, as it is nestled along the fabled Moselle River.
Founded by the Celts in the 4th century BC and later conquered by the Romans, it has baths, monuments and bridges, which made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, it is a seven-hour ride from Berlin, but merely 50 kilometers away from the neighboring country of Luxembourg. In addition to its prehistoric archeological museum which highlighted mosaics, Trier is known for its annual Christmas Market and as the birthplace of Karl Marx.
Here are the top five moments during our visit:
Porta Nigra
Known as the Black Gate, it is made of grey sandstone dated approximately 170AD. This entrance serves as the symbol of the city. The oldest defense fort in the Germany, it was reconstructed by French leader Napoleon Bonaparte.
High Cathedral of Saint Peter
Another testament to the city’s past, this house of prayer is likewise the oldest in Germany. Although a product of the Roman era, it contains visible Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance touches. However, the main draw was the Cathedral Treasury which is said to contain the Holy Tunic of the Seamless Robe of Jesus, which he had just prior to the Crucifixion.
The Electoral Palace and Gardens
The former residence of the Diocese of Trier, it is most known for the interior which boasts the distinct pink and cream Rococo Grand Staircase. At the nearby Electoral Gardens, we admired the manicured shrubs and refined flowers in the official colors of the city: red and yellow. The sculptures of mythological creatures and former rulers by renowned German sculptor Ferdinand Tietz likewise surrounded the park, some more zany than the others.
Saint Peter Fountain
At the Hauptmarkt — the Central Marketplace — the flagship is the gilded statue of the apostle around aged yet well-preserved buildings on four sides. This column also features the four cardinal virtues — Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance, along with the Coat-of-Arms of the city.
‘Biebelhausener Mühle’
This bakery brand is a favorite of locals for its variety of freshly-baked breads and pastries. Some bestsellers include the staples baguette, olive bread, ciabatta, and flatbread, while other delicacies are the almond croissants, apple crumble, mini corncakes, and the treasured Shepherd’s Roll.
These are my five magical postcards. What’s yours?