Everyone’s a Trier!

When we were planning this holiday, one of the high points was to be a visit to the German city of Trier (“tree-air”, in French Trèves).

We fulfilled our wish this morning

Founded in 16 BC during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus, Trier is Germany's oldest city. It is the site of important ancient art treasures and monuments, such as the Porta Nigra, the best-preserved city gate from the Roman world.

After a short bus ride, we were introduced to Stephan, our English-speaking guide for the morning.

Our first target was the Porta Nigra (“Black Gate”), a term dating from
Medieval times, when the grey sandstone had turned black.

The Porta was built around 170AD, one of four gates in the Roman city wall. The others (and the wall) are long gone.

In the 11th century a holy Greek monk named Simeon took up residence in the Porta, and after his death a monastery was established around it, including the oldest cloisters in Germany (see video).

It seems a bit odd, but two churches with the same floor plan were subsequently built on top of the Porta. The upper level was for the monks, and the lower one for the faithful. These accretions survived until Napoleon Bonaparte visited, and ordered them demolished.

We weren’t able to go inside the Porta Nigra, as a huge stage was being prepared for a concert.

Emperor Constantine ruled the Roman Empire for 16 years from Trier, and his basilica was built in 310AD as the centre of his administration. It is now an evangelical church. Amazing to think that the building we stood in this morning is 1,700 years old!!

While we were walking we passed a statue of Karl Marx (who was born in Trier), presented to the city by the Chinese Government! I also liked the statue on a building corner of St Christopher carrying the Christ child.

Having become a Christian, Constantine supported the building of a church dedicated to St Peter. The High Cathedral of St Peter is the oldest bishop’s church in Germany. It is an amazing building.

We just had time for a coffee before racing to get the bus back to the boat for lunch.

This afternoon was free, and we watched mile after mile of vineyards rising from the riverbank up very steep slopes to the tops of hills. Tending vines is work intensive anywhere, but having to do it with one leg shorter than the other - in the hot sun - sounds horrific!

We also saw from our window a replica Roman wine barge, “Stella Noviomagus”. The Romans were producing wine in this area two thousand years ago. You can hire this vessel for wine tours on the river.

Tonight is our Gala Dinner. We haven’t been told what’s on the menu - will tell you tomorrow!Read more