Learning about Roman Culture and History in Trier
Categories: Family and Kids, Sightseeing, Cultural and History
We recommend a day to explore Trier (Trier vacation rentals | Trier travel guide) and its Roman heritage. It's a great day trip and there is lots to see. For example,
1. Visit the Porta Nigra in Trier
The Porta Nigra in Trier is a large city gate that dates back to the Roman times. It is also the largest city gate north of the Alps. Today it is part of the World Heritage Sites. The name Porta Nigra originated in the Middle Ages due to the gates dark color of stone. The orignial roman name has not been preserved and today locals refer to the gate simply as Porta.
Built in about 180-200 AD from grey sandstone, the orignial gate consisted of two four storied towers that were separated through a courtyart form eachother. Porta Nigra is one of four gates that were build around the city of Trier. Today, its the only one left out of the four (Porta Alba, Porta Media, Porta Inclyta). For unknown reasons, the construction of the gate remained unfinished. Nevertheless, the gate was used for centuries until the end of the Roman era in Trier..
[ source: Wikipedia ]
2. Visit St. Matthias Abbey Church in Trier
Another historic building is the St. Matthias church. Named after the relics of St. Matthias, that the church houses, the church is part of an active Benedictine abbey and is to this day still visited by many Catholic pilgrims.
The church overlooks a spacious plaza surounded by white buildings. The church itself is Romanesque style with a Baroque fascade that was added to the lower west front. On the center of the facade is a sculpture of St. Matthias holding an axe and an open book.
The church has a museum that displays a significant collection of artifacts, paintings and historical documents.
An annual festival is held on May 14th which is names St. Matthias day.
For more information please go to:
3. Visit the Trier Cathedral (St. Peters Dom)
Though it might be mistaken for a fortress, Trier Cathedral (Dom St. Peter) houses an impressive collection of artworks, architecture and holy relics. It is also of considerable historical significance, as the oldest church in Germany. Today, Trier Cathedral remains a working Catholic cathedral and an important Catholic shrine that still receives pilgrims.
[ source: www.sacred-destinations.com/germany/trier-cathedral.htm ]
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