Imagine yourself around 2000 years back. You are dressed in a traditional Roman tunic and when looking down, you realize you are wearing the type of sandals you vaguely remember from the movie “Gladiator”. Therefore, you are quick to tell yourself that you could very well be in Rome, the epitome of power, wealth and glory in those long-lost days. Clearly, you arent, though – the chill on your skin indicates that you gotta be in a quite different location, a location which bears the rare honor of being named after the Roman emperor and which could definitely use some warmer temperatures, dammit!
2000 years back, you would have found yourself in Augusta Treverorum, a city which nowadays is better known as Trier and lays claim to be the oldest city in good old Germany. Augusta Treverorum might have been more of a hotspot for budding Roman signorinos and stylish Roman signorinas in their sexy tunics. But fear not, Trier is still a place more than worthy of your time and attention! Points in favor? No worries, let me take you along to my top 3 experience-Trier spots, places I was fortunate enough to experience on a whirlwind road trip from Germany to Spain a while ago:
Travel back in time – visit the Porta Nigra
Don´t you just love those very special places that conjure up images and feelings of long-lost tales of hope, promise, challenge, and endeavor? Places that almost effortlessly transport you out of yourself and right into a totally different world. Well, to me, the Porta Nigra in Trier is definitely one of those magical hotspots! Built in grey sandstone just before the year 2000, it is formally known as the largest Roman city gate north of the Alps.
Exploring the former Roman city gate 
Porta Nigra impression 
Saying hello to Porta Nigra 
Following in Simeon´s footsteps 
Interior of the Porta Nigra 
View over beautiful Trier 
The secrets are in the sandstone…
Informally, it simply rocks to explore the several stories- high building and its distinct vibe – who knows, maybe that´s the presence of the ghost of greek monk Simeon, who lived as a hermit in the Porta Nigra after 1028 (up to his death in 1035) and very rarely descended from his contemplation-spot. Or it might just be the ancient sandstones whispering tales into your ear about those long-lost days when the northern entry gate to the Roman city got turned into a church…
Recharge and reboot – experience calm at Trier cathedral
For lovers of calm, Christianity and churches, head to Trier Cathedral, the oldest bishop’s church in Germany, built smack in the middle of Trier’s city center. Take a tour and check out the remains of the first Early Christian assembly room north of the Alps from the late 3rd century. Alternatively, explore more pieces of ancient Rome in Trier by visiting the Roman central section with the original walls rising up to a height of 26 meters. Art worshippers will be delighted by the variety of artwork and architecture from more than 1650 years that can be found within the impressive building.
Trier cathedral I 
Trier cathedral II 
Cathedral meets vines and perfect sun rays 
Standing in front of Trier´s cathedral, open since 1270 
Hola and hallo 
Interior of Trier cathedral 
Beautiful angel sculptures in the courtyard
Disconnect and reconnect – take a stroll along the Moselle river or the city center
Trier is an astoundingly picturesque city, to say the least: located in the beautiful Moselle wine region, not far from the border to Luxembourg, it offers an enticing melange of well-kept Roman remains, beautiful architecture and stunning surrounding scenery. If you are as much into reconnecting with mother nature as I am, head to Moselle river and listen to the soothing sounds of the water stream, soak up the soft green of the rolling hills and enjoy an invigorating walk. If you prefer the hustle and bustle of the city center, head to Trier marketplace (Marktplatz in German) and check out the many eateries, shops and gorgeous houses all around. Or, carpe diem to the max and just enjoy both, nature as well as city life!
What´s your preference, dear readers – nature or cityscapes? And why? Read you soon!
Intricately decorated building in Trier city center 
Look at that stunning portal! 
Trier townlife 
Beautiful rolling hills and forests close to Moselle river
Handy information part:
- So, what´s the gist regarding Porta Nigra? – It probably won´t have moved anywhere so far, so head to
Porta-Nigra-Platz, 54290 Trier, and you´ll find it there 🙂 Opening times are –
April – September: daily 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
October and March: daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
November – February: daily 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission is 4 Euros per adult, 2 Euros for kids. - And what about Trier cathedral? You´ll find it at
Liebfrauenstraße 12, 54290 Trier! Opening times are –
April – October: daily 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
November – March: daily 6:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m Admission is 6 Euros per adult
Photography: All rights reserved @A gypsy at heart
A Gypsy at Heart 
I love all those places that make me feel I have travelled back in time.
What a wonderful.post. such a pleasure traveling with you Amiga. Abrazos.
I am still on vacation. I will reply to your comments very soon.
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Hi Drew, thanks so much for your ever so lovely comment! So glad you enjoyed! Love having you onboard the gypsy-at-heart-travel-train 😉 Can´t wait to hear more about your vacation. Always such a breath of fresh air to hear from you amigo! Abrazo grande y disfruta de tus vacasiones
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Gracias
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This would be absolutely incredible to see!
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Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, Aria Bella 🙂 Yes, Trier is really worth a visit!
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Beautiful photographs, I lived in Trier for a while a number of years ago, You’ve captured the ancient beauty of this amazing and historical city.
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Thanks so much for your kind feedback, so happy to hear that – especially knowing that you´ve lived there for a while. Did you have any favorite spots that you particularly enjoyed while living in Trier? It´s really a hidden gem, isn´t it? 🙂
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The big Rathaus and the outdoor pool! Of course just walking the cobbled street was fascinating. As the oldest city in Germany it’s not really hidden. I also lived in several other cities in the Moselle valley but Trier is a gem and so near Luxembourg.
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Awesome, thanks for sharing! Yes, I agree, just wandering around the cityscape was quite the experience, there´s a very different vibe there compared to many other German cities I´ve visited. Yeah you´re right about the hidden part – it was probably more a subjective impression of mine, coming from Hamburg I didn´t know much about Trier at all before visiting there! Fantastic that you got to live in the Moselle valley area, it has a lot of charm.
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Beautiful post, enjoy your travels!
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Thank you 🙂
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I feel always that ruins are belonged to me.there you are looking most beautiful as princess of Great Roman Empire.my dear Gypsy.
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Aw nah you are too sweet! Thanks dear, for your lovely comment. Do you mean you feel a special connection to ruins/ ancient places?
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Yeah.i don’t know-why?but my heart says to me and i feel thar my heart is wandering in those ruins to search the lost people,my dear Gpsy Soul.now were are your new destination of trip?have a wonderful and fabulous day,my dear!!🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
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For now, I will stay a while in Spain and report/ write from here, but I will also create some posts on former travels to China, Chiang Mai/ Thailand, Netherlands, France and Portugal. Do you have any favorite places of those/ any preferences for me to write about? Thanks for your comment, also wishing you a gorgeous day, dear Aruna. Blessings 🙂
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I will try for that,my dear!!
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Yeah.i feel a special connection to ruins.i love them❤❤❤
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That was my kingdom,yaar😉much love and big hugs,meri jaan.that time you were my queen.😋sending you a lot of love,my dear dost💕💕💕💝
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Lots of love dear dost! Have a beautiful start to your week querida amiga! xoxoxo💕💕💖
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Most most love,mere yaar💝💕💕💕💕💕
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