Exploring Trier

On the banks of the Moselle River lies Trier.  Germany's oldest city.  It was founded as a Roman colony in 16 B.C. by Emperor Augustus.  Trier was called "The Second Rome".
Today we saw the Porta Nigra (black gate), it dates back to 180 A.D..  It was one of the four gates to the city and the only one still standing.

We walked around this magnificent structure and then paid to go inside.  (I think the stairs are not original).

It's incredible to think something this old is still standing and in remarkable condition.  We can walk where the Romans did.

You could take a tour guided by a Centurian, we didn't as they were only in German.

There were amazing views from each level inside.

Next, we did a Hop-on-Hop-off bus.  We like to do this because you can get the lay of the city and come back later and see things up close.  I got a few photos on the bus, but it's hard due to rails, trees and sometimes you've already passed the site when the guide mentions it.

The Main Market (Hauptmarkt) is in the heart of Trier.  It is the home to half-timbered houses, the city church, the cathedral and a fountain.

Today, it was mostly filled with people.

There were vendors of all sorts, plus music and rides for children.

We are on our way to see the Trier Cathedral--Bishop's Church for 1700 years.   The original structures were built by Emperor Constantine fron 329 to 346.  The present church is relatively new.  It was built in 1270.

One of the relics of the church is a nail believed to be from the cross of Christ.  The most precious relic of the Cathedral is the Holy Robe, called the Tunic of Christ.  It's said that the mother of Emperor Constantine, Helena, brought the robe Christ was wearing before his crucifiction to Trier.    It's only been on public display 16 times, the last time being in 2012.  No one knows when it will be seen again.  We saw where it's kept and we did buy a postcard so we could see what it looked like, and so can you.