Trier Hotels

Ancient spectacle

First stop on any visit to Trier has to be the mighty edifice of the Porta Nigra, a fine example of Roman ingenuity among many such monuments in this city. Blackened after eighteen centuries standing sentinel over the city limits, the great gate – held together by gravity and iron crampons –is a testament to ancient Rome's mastery in building things that last.

You can marvel at other examples of Roman architectural bravado on a visit to the Imperial Roman Baths, whose spacious ruins are ideal for a picturesque walk, or the Basilica di Constantino which give a sense of the magnitude on which the Empire built.

Major attractions

Rising from a 4th-century Roman core with six towers soaring over you, the eye-popping immensity of Trier Cathedral makes it one of Northern Europe's greatest feats of architecture. The cathedral was once the seat of the powerful Archbishop of Trier and every inch of its construction, from the giant Romanesque apse to the complexity of its medieval Gothic towers, seek to proclaim the glory of God. To sit amongst the grandeur of its beauty, is to be spell-bound by this hymn wrought in stone.

Step into the authentic Germany by shopping around the magical, rustic charms of the Hauptmarkt. A lively market place packed with eateries, stalls and cafés, you'll find a colourful array of delights from local produce featuring home-made bratwurst to gifts carved with real artisan craftsmanship. You'll find these and many more surprises whilst surrounded by the Disney-esque beauty of the medieval houses.

Leisurely strolls along Neaustrasse also offer an opportunity for some holiday shopping with plenty of boutique and specialist stores.

You'll find a peaceful interlude from the bustle of the market at the church of St Gangolf, a wonderful hidden gem and one of the oldest churches in Trier. A moment sitting here can be intimate and uplifting, a welcome compliment to the formidable scale of Trier's cathedral.

With so much to experience and savour, this city - known fondly as the Rome of the North - can prove to be the quintessential experience of Germanic culture. Complete with great hospitality, fine food and, of course, plenty of bier.