At a Glance | Historic Highlights of Germany

Practical information

Why go?

The oldest city in Germany with eight UNESCO World Heritage sites once used to be the capital of the Western Roman Empire - experience history at close quarters! The Romans founded Trier in 16 B.C. By the end of the 3rd century the city was an Imperial Residence and capital of the West-Roman Empire. Six emperors held court here, and as early as the 4th century Trier had a population of 80,000.

In the 12th century, the Archbishops of Trier became Prince Electors. They made Trier the capital of their electorate which experienced periods of great prosperity and despairing decline up until its dissolution at the end of the 18th century.

Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo enriched the city with churches, abbeys, stately homes of the nobility and the "Kurfürstliches Palais" (Electoral Palace) with its magnificent "Palastgarten" (Palace Gardens). Quite justifiably, the Roman monuments, the Trierer Dom (Trier Cathedral) and the Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Beloved Lady) were declared a treasure of world civilization by the UNESCO, bringing its architectural history worldwide acclaim.

In addition, Trier is Germany's oldest wine-growing center. Famous vineyard estates and celebrated wine producers are headquartered here!

When to go?

Dormfreihof (Cathedral Square) / Bjoern Rudek

Germany is a popular travel destination all year-round, with a typical four-season climate. Winter temperatures vary from west to east, with around freezing temperatures in the west and well below freezing in the east of Germany. Summer temperatures are typically between 20°C (68°F) and 30°C (86°F). In terms of tourist numbers, May through to September are the most popular months to visit Germany. However, the winter holidays with their enchanting Christmas Markets are also a major highlight. Those who enjoy the benefits of uncrowded attractions will favor January through to April.

The weather in Trier is continental in the sense that it varies from year to year, meaning a chilly spring and rainy summer one year can be followed by a spectacularly warm and sunny season the next year. The areas around the Moselle are blessed with a particularly pleasant climate which allows for the successful cultivation of grapevines.

Long periods of fine weather can be followed by unsettled conditions. To be on the safe side, make sure you bring a sweater and wet weather clothing with you.

What to eat?

Fresh herbs and spices such as coriander, rue, mint, thyme and pepper will tickle your taste buds, and attractive culinary delights will entice you to enjoy the gourmet cuisine of the Roman era. Delicious dishes, prepared according to original recipes by Marcus Gavius Apicius, will be the highlight of your journey into the Roman past of Germany's oldest city. Apicius was born around 25 BC and was the most famous cook and gourmand of the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Tiberius (AD 14-37). He transcribed his recipes in several cookbooks. The oldest copy handed down with his name was copied in German monasteries in the 9th century. The specially trained chef in the centrally located restaurant "Zum Domstein" will pamper Trier visitors in the restaurant's historical wine cellar with selected dishes from this cookbook.

If you find Teerdich mit Kasseler (mashed potatoes with sauerkraut and smoked pork), Schoales (potato cake with ham, vegetables and herbs) or Flieten (spicy chicken wings) and or Porz Viez (a jug of cider) on the menu in a traditional restaurant, you are in Trier!

Influenced by its proximity to Luxemburg and France the regional cuisine of the Moselle city presents itself hearty but with a delicate finesse.

The two-star restaurant "Becker's" serves creative dishes with corresponding, fine Moselle wines that let the gourmet´s heart beat faster. Thus, also Gault Milleau´s "best wine list in Germany 2011" comes from Germany´s oldest city. The restaurant "Schloss Monaise", which is located in an early classicist palace, was honored with this award.

That´s Germany

Trier is home to the oldest theater in Germany. The stunning amphitheater, designed by the Romans in the 1st century AD to accommodate 20,000 spectators.

VIP: Karl Marx

Karl Marx – the house where he was born in 1818 now hosts an exhibition on his life and work.