Trier: Wow. World Heritage Wonders in the oldest city of Germany

“Augusta Treverorum“, the imperial city built by the Romans at the Mosel river, is the oldest city of modern-day Germany. I am constantly amazed by what I see around here: “The stone foundations of the bridge across the Mosel river, which we are about to cross, are over 1800 years old”, my charming new friend & city guide Paula explains. “What has prompted the Romans to build their city right here?” I ask faced with all the impressive traces of former imperial architecture.

Indeed: What has prompted the Romans to build a mighty imperial city this far north complete with Circus, amphitheatre, imperial baths and a gigantic ceremonial crowning hall? It could not have been the climate, right. 😀

The answer, of course, is one of humankind: Power. The conquest of new territories. And influence over others. “But the young emperor Constantinus was hungry to conquer lands of his own, and so decided to move further East at the end of the 4th century AD where he founded modern-day Constantinople – Istanbul”,  Paula explains while we walk among the former imperial baths of Trier. “Money and interest in building activities came to a halt: For Trier, it meant the slow but steady decline of its importance during the Roman Age.”

City walk in Trier, following the traces of the Romans: The former (and unfinished) Caldarium of the Roman baths is home to rock concerts and other events today.

Trier continues to be a mighty and imposing city, offering many odd little details that are a witness to its eventful history: Two churches combine here to form one, both Roman and Gothic-style.

Of course, with all this love for history, one should not miss present-day discoveries such as a good glass of wine …

And this “Flammkuchen”, or French Pizza as our English neighbour at the table calls it, is just delightful as a complimentary dish.

Roman city tour in Trier: Continue to be fascinated by really, really old architectural masterpieces.

Parallel to all the intriguing visual details of exploring the Roman city of Trier, my happy young city guide Paula serves me “music for the ears”: Thanks to her gift of compelling storytelling – almost as if she had stood next to the Romans at the time, eavesdropping on one or two of their secrets – I am able to dive into the everyday life of Roman conspiracy, traditions and gladiator fights. Many have taken place here in Trier: Unfortunately, no traces of the great Circus are visible today, however the amphitheatre still houses gladiators and even offers a real “gladiator training ground” for visitors!

Training gladiators in the amphitheatre of Trier.

Here, strong & good-looking city guide Jan offers visitors an insight into the everyday life of gladiator training and draws us in with his great storytelling.

Thank you, Paula for this great insight into the times of the Romans! Do not come here without her and the stories – it might otherwise only be a lifeless look upon some old ruins.

After our visit of the amphitheatre, we take a walk about 500 metres down the hill to the remains of the Roman thermal baths, which due to a loss of power and importance have never been finished.

Paula does a good job in carrying lots of drawings and sketches that enable me to get an idea of the size and importance of “Augusta Trevorum“, Trier, in former times.

Just before lunch, we take a seat inside the former ceremonial hall of the emperor, still causing debate today: How were the Romans able to build such a gigantic, centrally heated hall complete with intricate wooden roof structure almost 2.000 years ago? Fascinating.

Late summer afternoon in Trier …

Past the famous Porta Nigra, or Black Gate, one of four gateways into the former Roman city.

Instead of cattle & people, today it is visitors and their iPhones and shopping bags that move in and out of the gate!

A visit to “Wein.Sinnig” Wine Bar in the heart of the old town of Trier

Switch back into present Trier. It is more than 30°C on this hot day in July, and a good tip to escape the heat after exploring the cool Roman buildings of the old town is a visit to … a wine bar. Here at Wein.Sinnig, Manuela Schewe has done a creative job to spoil wine lovers of all ages to tastings and events, such as famous German entertainer Günter Jauch jumping out of a wine barrel here recently. “Barrel X unsolved”, she calls her invention and laughs while remembering the fun night. “But now, please do take a seat and let me start your Riesling wine tasting with Flammkuchen!” Oh, life … ain’t it hard. 😉 Thank you, dear Patricia Ellendt of the city of Trier, for this great wine tip and your wonderful company here tonight!

At the wine bar Wein.Sinnig, we are greeted by local Manuela Schewe.

Off we go, starting our tasting with a selection of famous Riesling white wines from the Mosel wine growing district.

„Sexy, intelligent, healthy“ … this is what you like to hear about wine drinkers, if you are one yourself. Hehe.

I looove Flammkuchen!

Service is impeccable here at “Wein.Sinnig”, the ladies really know their way around wine.

The Mosel Music Festival: Star violinist & pianist double as stand-up comedians with their “Little Nightmare Music”!

So cool! I have never experienced anything quite like that: Two people with an exceptional musical talent take and turn it into … comedy !! On a high level, of course, playing parodies of great classics by Mozart, etc. It is actually quite indescribable what Russian violinist Aleksey Igudesman and his partner, Korean-British pianist Hyung-Ki Joo manage to put up on stage. More than 20 million clicks on YouTube is what they have already gathered in terms of an online fan community. Now, they have got at least 500 more fans from the city of Trier, one of them from Austria with her love for talented musicians and comedy. Brilliant. Oh Trier, I would love to come back anytime !!!

Grrr! – Igudesman & Joo put up a truly funny parody of music and classical comedy during the Mosel Music Festival.

The audience just loves their twists and turns …

… most of us have probably never experienced anything quite like them. “World Heritage Wonders”, as I told you in my article heading. Enjoy the magic!

Disclaimer: I have been invited by the German Tourist Board in order to travel to & experience several World Heritage Sites in Germany. All opinions are my own.