Top must see sites in Trier Germany
Trier Germany is located in the Moselle wine region near the Luxembourg border and is known as one of the oldest city in Germany.
Since Trier was once a bustling Roman metropolis, you can still find some well-preserved Roman structures still standing.
There is so much history to explore in Trier in one day, and is the perfect day trip to add to your itinerary.
On the blog, I will highlight the top must see sites in Trier Germany. You can easily see most of the main sites on a day trip, and they’re all within a walking distance of each other.
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Top things to do in Trier Germany
Visit the Trier Cathedral
One of the top things to do in Trier is a visit to the Trier Cathedral. The Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Germany, built on the site of an earlier church in the 4th century.
Throughout the centuries the cathedral was rebuilt and embellished and you will notice the difference in styles as you walk around the church.
This was one of the most beautiful cathedrals we’ve seen, and houses some of the most important relics in it’s treasury.
One of the highlights is the seamless robe in which Jesus was buried in, and the Holy Nail, said to be a nail of the True Cross, founded by Saint Helena and given to the church.
You may not be able to see the robe in person, as it is kept in a reliquary, but it’s amazing knowing that it’s actually there!
The robe is only shown to the public once in a while, the last time was in 2012!
Visit the Church Of Our Lady
Another Trier attraction to add to your visit is the Church of Our Lady which is located right next door to Trier Cathedral.
It is the oldest Gothic church in Germany, built in the 13th century.
A special feature is the cruciform floor plan, and it’s beautiful stained glass windows that illuminates this wonderful church.
Visit Saint Gangolf’s Church
Saint Gangolf’s church is a Roman Catholic church in Trier, and is the second oldest church building in the city. Located on the Hauptmarkt square, this beautiful church is quite an eye catcher with its yellow facade.
Visit the Porta Nigra
One of the best things to do in Trier is a visit to the Porta Nigra, which dates back to about A.D. 170.
The name Porta Nigra is Latin for black gate because of the darkened colour of the stone, and is the largest Roman city gate north of the Alps.
In Roman times, the Porta Nigra was part of the cities defense system with four city gates standing at each side of the rectangular city.
Of these four gates, only the Porta Nigra still exists today and you can go on a self-guided tour.
During our tour, we learned that the Porta Nigra was once transformed into a church, but in 1804, Napoleon ordered it to be converted back to its Roman form.
You can take a self-guided tour of this Roman relic and imagine what it was like during the Roman times. It was quite incredible and our little one enjoyed the adventure!
- Hours: Monday – Sunday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Tickets: 4€ adults / 2.50€ for kids 7-18 / FREE for kids under 7
Explore the Roman Imperial Baths
Another one of the best attractions in Trier is a visit to the Trier Imperial Baths. The Imperial Baths are a large Roman complex in Trier and was constructed in the 4th century AD.
The Imperial Baths was considered as one of the grandest and most impressive baths in the world and you can go on a self guided tour of this impressive Bath complex.
- Hours: Monday – Sunday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Tickets: 4€ adults / 2.50€ for kids 7-18 / FREE for kids under 7
Visit the Electoral Palace
Located close to the Imperial Bath complex is the Electoral Palace, which is another attraction to add to your day trip to Trier Germany.
The Palace was once the residence of the Archbishops and Electors of Trier from the 16th century until the late 18th century. Today, the Palace houses various offices of the federal government.
The site where the Electoral Palace is located was part of the Ancient Roman Imperial Palace that was used by Constantine the Great in the early 4th century.
The Basilica of Constantine, which is attached to the Palace was once the throne room of this palace and is a remnant of this era.
People watch at the HauptMarkt
One of the best to do in Trier is to people-watch at the main market square.
The Hauptmarkt in Trier is located in the historic city center and once served as a place of trade during the medieval times.
There are lots of cafes and restaurants and is the perfect place to unwind after your sightseeing tour around Trier!
Take in the views at the Mariensaule
Just a short drive away from Trier is St. Mary’s Column or the Mariensaule. The panoramic views of the city are incredible up along these sandstone cliffs above Trier.
St. Mary’s Column was built sometime in the 19th century and is worth a stop when planning a visit to Trier.
You can park on the side of the road and it’s a short hike up some steps.
We had an amazing time in Trier, Germany. Learning about the city’s past Roman life was so interesting, and seeing them up close was quite amazing.
I’ve also heard that Trier is home to one of the best Christmas markets in Germany as well. Next time you visit Germany, take a day trip out to Trier and be amazed with all it’s history!
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