Dimitris’ Diary: Trier and the Roman Empire

It’s time to visit the oldest city in Germany: Trier!

Located in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, near the border with Luxembourg and northern France. The city was founded in the first century BC, it was part of the Roman Empire and was the provincial capital of Belgium Press. At its peak, around the fifth century, it was destroyed by Germanic tribes and never regained former importance.

Precisely because of all its rich history, I was always very interested to visit it. I took the opportunity also to call on my cousin Alexei, who is in town attending his masters. My family has both German and Soviet ancestry, a consequence of historical events that everyone knows well, or at least have once heard about.

The old center of Trier has ruins from the Roman Empire period, the famous Porta Nigra. This name is due to the rocks blackened by time, since its origin dates the third century. The entire structure was built with large sandstone blocks, bound by iron bars. It is a landmark in the city and nowadays there are musical and cultural events in front of the ruins.

In the main promenade, I found many cafes, restaurants and shops. A short walking brought me into the Hauptmarkt, a beautiful square with German typical buildings and a beautiful fountain. There are no reports about why there are three little monkeys carved there, I did the researches and have not really found an answer. But they are there, hidden in the middle of the pretty ornament.

From the market square, I turned left and came across directly with the imposing Cathedral of Trier (Der Trierer Dom). I was really impressed with the size of the building and the wealth of details in it, which brings together Roman, Salicos, Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements.

For those who like to drink, here comes a “must”: do not forget to try the white wine of the region, served in cafes and pubs near the Cathedral, worldly famous for its quality. Equivalent to what the red wine means to Bordeaux, France.

Another curiosity about the city of Trier is that, Karl Marx, the philosopher and economist who, among other works, published “The Capital” and “The Communist Manifesto”, was born here and there is also a very interesting museum built in order to relate his life and work.

My last visit was the Kurfürstliche Palais, which served as residence to the Prince-Electors of Trier, that is, the archbishops of the city. The palace built in the Renaissance and Rococo styles is harmonious and the Palace Garden (Palastgarten) completes the work as a whole.

My cousin has just left me in the Hauptbanhof, the central station. My next destination? The modern Frankfurt am Main!

Dimitris