Custom Walk in Trier, Germany by jcmcape_87c4f created on 2025-05-12
Guide Location: Germany » Trier
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 10
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Share Key: KF68H
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 10
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Share Key: KF68H
How It Works
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Step 1. Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 2. In the GPSmyCity app, download(or launch) the guide "Trier Map and Walking Tours".
Step 3. Tap the menu button located at upper right corner of the "Walks" screen and select "Retrieve custom walk". Enter the share key: KF68H
1) Porta Nigra (Black Gate) (must see)
Black Gate is an ancient Roman city gate and the largest Roman gate north of the Alps. It is part of Trier's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Black Gate name originated in the Middle Ages and refers to the darkened stone color. The Roman gate was built after 170 AD and used as a town entrance for centuries. The gate was built with 7200 massive sandstone blocks that weigh as much as six tons and are held in place by iron clamps. The construction of the gate was never completed for unknown reasons. Black Gate guarded Trier's northern entrance and was one of four city gates.
During the Middle Ages, the other three gates fell into disuse, and their stones were used for other building projects. However, the Black Gate had important historical value as revered Greek monk Simeon's home. Simeon was a religious hermit who sought sanctuary in the Black Gate during the 11h century. The Black Gate was then turned into two churches. Monks used the upper church, and the lower church was available to the public.
Napoleon Bonaparte dissolved the church in 1802. Bonaparte wanted to tear down the structure, but residents convinced him to save it and restore it to its Roman origins.
Visitors can see the remains of Roman columns leading up to the gate. Black Gate is open to visitors, and during the summer, an actor portraying a Roman army officer leads tours. Visitors can climb to the gate's top for commanding views of Trier.
The Black Gate name originated in the Middle Ages and refers to the darkened stone color. The Roman gate was built after 170 AD and used as a town entrance for centuries. The gate was built with 7200 massive sandstone blocks that weigh as much as six tons and are held in place by iron clamps. The construction of the gate was never completed for unknown reasons. Black Gate guarded Trier's northern entrance and was one of four city gates.
During the Middle Ages, the other three gates fell into disuse, and their stones were used for other building projects. However, the Black Gate had important historical value as revered Greek monk Simeon's home. Simeon was a religious hermit who sought sanctuary in the Black Gate during the 11h century. The Black Gate was then turned into two churches. Monks used the upper church, and the lower church was available to the public.
Napoleon Bonaparte dissolved the church in 1802. Bonaparte wanted to tear down the structure, but residents convinced him to save it and restore it to its Roman origins.
Visitors can see the remains of Roman columns leading up to the gate. Black Gate is open to visitors, and during the summer, an actor portraying a Roman army officer leads tours. Visitors can climb to the gate's top for commanding views of Trier.
2) Trier Dom (St. Peter's Cathedral) (must see)
Saint Peter's Cathedral is Germany's oldest church and Trier's oldest building still serving its original purpose. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is thought that Emperor Constantine the Great commissioned the cathedral and built it on top of a Roman palace. The next-door Church of Our Lady was also built on top of the original Roman complex.
Bishop Maximin oversaw the cathedral's construction in the fourth century. This impressive cathedral was four times the size of the current cathedral and features four basilicas.
Parts of the present-day church's brick walls and piers are from the original cathedral. The cathedral has been damaged and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Saint Peter's Cathedral is mainly Romanesque but features Gothic vaults, Baroque chapels, and Renaissance sculptures.
Visitors will find Roman brickwork on the north facade. The cathedral's stunning west facade was built in the 11th century. The Chapel of the Holy Robe was added to the east choir in the 18th century.
There is a Latin inscription above the tallest tower's clock. The inscription can be translated as "You do not know what time the Lord is coming."
The interior features three Romanesque naves with Gothic vaults. Four original Roman columns have been transformed into cruciform piers.
The invaluable Holy Robe is featured in a Baroque chapel. The relic is thought to be the robe Jesus wore during his crucifixion, and Saint Helena discovered the relic in the fourth century. Since 1512, the cathedral has held irregular pilgrimages to allow the faithful to view the Holy Robe. The last pilgrimage was held in 2012.
It is thought that Emperor Constantine the Great commissioned the cathedral and built it on top of a Roman palace. The next-door Church of Our Lady was also built on top of the original Roman complex.
Bishop Maximin oversaw the cathedral's construction in the fourth century. This impressive cathedral was four times the size of the current cathedral and features four basilicas.
Parts of the present-day church's brick walls and piers are from the original cathedral. The cathedral has been damaged and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Saint Peter's Cathedral is mainly Romanesque but features Gothic vaults, Baroque chapels, and Renaissance sculptures.
Visitors will find Roman brickwork on the north facade. The cathedral's stunning west facade was built in the 11th century. The Chapel of the Holy Robe was added to the east choir in the 18th century.
There is a Latin inscription above the tallest tower's clock. The inscription can be translated as "You do not know what time the Lord is coming."
The interior features three Romanesque naves with Gothic vaults. Four original Roman columns have been transformed into cruciform piers.
The invaluable Holy Robe is featured in a Baroque chapel. The relic is thought to be the robe Jesus wore during his crucifixion, and Saint Helena discovered the relic in the fourth century. Since 1512, the cathedral has held irregular pilgrimages to allow the faithful to view the Holy Robe. The last pilgrimage was held in 2012.
3) Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) (must see)
The Church of Our Lady (Liebfrauenkirche) in Trier is a remarkable example of French High Gothic architecture outside of France. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Roman Monuments, Cathedral of Saint Peter, and Church of Our Lady in Trier World Heritage Site, this church stands next to the Trier Cathedral, sharing a wall and cloister with it. Originally, a Roman double church occupied this site, initiated by a large endowment from Roman Emperor Constantine in 326 AD. By the early 13th century, the southern part had fallen into disrepair, prompting Archbishop Theoderich von Wied to commission French builders from Champagne to reconstruct it. Construction likely began in 1230, and the church was completed around 1260.
The Church of Our Lady’s design is unique, featuring a cruciform floor plan shaped like a rose, symbolizing the Virgin Mary as the Rosa Mystica. This rose design includes twelve "petals," representing the twelve tribes of Israel and the Twelve Apostles. Supporting columns are decorated with paintings of the apostles and the articles of the Apostles' Creed, which can only be fully appreciated from a spot marked by a golden star.
Historically, the church has undergone significant transformations. In 1492, a peak known for its impressive craftsmanship crowned the central tower but was destroyed in a 1631 storm. Later, the roof was replaced in 1945 and again, with a steeper version, in 2003. Designated a minor basilica by Pope Pius XII in 1951, this church holds a deep architectural and spiritual significance. Today, it stands as a Gothic masterpiece with ancient roots, supported by Roman column foundations beneath the structure.
The Church of Our Lady’s design is unique, featuring a cruciform floor plan shaped like a rose, symbolizing the Virgin Mary as the Rosa Mystica. This rose design includes twelve "petals," representing the twelve tribes of Israel and the Twelve Apostles. Supporting columns are decorated with paintings of the apostles and the articles of the Apostles' Creed, which can only be fully appreciated from a spot marked by a golden star.
Historically, the church has undergone significant transformations. In 1492, a peak known for its impressive craftsmanship crowned the central tower but was destroyed in a 1631 storm. Later, the roof was replaced in 1945 and again, with a steeper version, in 2003. Designated a minor basilica by Pope Pius XII in 1951, this church holds a deep architectural and spiritual significance. Today, it stands as a Gothic masterpiece with ancient roots, supported by Roman column foundations beneath the structure.
4) Aula Palatina (Basilica of Constantine) (must see)
The Basilica of Constantine is a Roman palace basilica that was originally built between AD 300 and AD 310. It currently houses the Church of Our Redeemer and is part of Trier's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Basilica of Constantine was originally part of a complex, not the stand-alone building it is today. The basilica was constructed in solid brick with black and white marble floors and an impressive floor and wall heating system.
The Bishop of Trier used the building as his residence during the Middle Ages. The basilica was incorporated into the archbishop Lothar von Metternich's palace during the 17th century. During the 19th century, Frederick William IV of Prussia restored the building to its Roman state.
The Basilica became a Protestant Church in 1856. It was rebuilt after being damaged during World War II. Restorers didn't replace the inner decorations, so visitors can see the brick walls from the inside.
The Basilica of Constantine is an impressively large building at 33 meters high (108 feet) and 67 meters long (220 feet). The basilica's windows create an optical illusion that makes the building look even bigger than it is.
Excavation work underneath the basilica has been preserved, and visitors can take a guided tour to view the underground Roman area. The basilica also hosts several inspirational concerts every year.
The Basilica of Constantine was originally part of a complex, not the stand-alone building it is today. The basilica was constructed in solid brick with black and white marble floors and an impressive floor and wall heating system.
The Bishop of Trier used the building as his residence during the Middle Ages. The basilica was incorporated into the archbishop Lothar von Metternich's palace during the 17th century. During the 19th century, Frederick William IV of Prussia restored the building to its Roman state.
The Basilica became a Protestant Church in 1856. It was rebuilt after being damaged during World War II. Restorers didn't replace the inner decorations, so visitors can see the brick walls from the inside.
The Basilica of Constantine is an impressively large building at 33 meters high (108 feet) and 67 meters long (220 feet). The basilica's windows create an optical illusion that makes the building look even bigger than it is.
Excavation work underneath the basilica has been preserved, and visitors can take a guided tour to view the underground Roman area. The basilica also hosts several inspirational concerts every year.
5) Rheinisches Landesmuseum (Rhineland Museum) (must see)
Rhineland Museum focuses on Trier's impressive archeology. Exhibits show artifacts from the Stone Age, the Roman era, the Middle Ages, and more modern times.
Visitors can see ancient tools, jewelry, and weapons in the Stone Age exhibit. One of the most remarkable displays features the Trassem gold hoard from 1600 BC. Many of the other items are from the Celtic area.
The museum has an impressive collection of Roman sculptures. A replica of the 30-meter tall (98-feet) Igel Column is located in the courtyard. One of the exhibit rooms is dedicated to Roman-era grave monuments, including the Neumagen Wine Ship monument. Many Roman frescoes and detailed mosaics are also on display.
The Roman section includes a scale model of Trier in Roman times. Trier functioned as the Empire's northern capital, and archeologists have unearthed an impressive collection of Roman artifacts, including the largest Roman gold hoard ever discovered.
During the Middle Ages, Trier became an important Christian center. The Middle Ages exhibits include early Christian gravestones and several Romanesque sculptures. The Modern Era exhibit has an impressive reconstruction of a Christoph von Rheineck's 1535 funeral monument.
Visitors can see ancient tools, jewelry, and weapons in the Stone Age exhibit. One of the most remarkable displays features the Trassem gold hoard from 1600 BC. Many of the other items are from the Celtic area.
The museum has an impressive collection of Roman sculptures. A replica of the 30-meter tall (98-feet) Igel Column is located in the courtyard. One of the exhibit rooms is dedicated to Roman-era grave monuments, including the Neumagen Wine Ship monument. Many Roman frescoes and detailed mosaics are also on display.
The Roman section includes a scale model of Trier in Roman times. Trier functioned as the Empire's northern capital, and archeologists have unearthed an impressive collection of Roman artifacts, including the largest Roman gold hoard ever discovered.
During the Middle Ages, Trier became an important Christian center. The Middle Ages exhibits include early Christian gravestones and several Romanesque sculptures. The Modern Era exhibit has an impressive reconstruction of a Christoph von Rheineck's 1535 funeral monument.
6) Kaiserthermen (Imperial Roman Baths) (must see)
The Imperial Roman Baths were constructed during Constantine I's reign in the fourth century. Trier's baths are the largest Roman baths outside of Rome. The original bathing structures were over 200 meters long (656 feet) and 100 meters wide (328 feet).
Constantine started building the baths as part of a city-wide building project. Trier was one of the Empire's most important cities and considered a "Second Rome." Roman Trier was home to between 75,000 and 100,000 people.
Bathing was an important part of Roman culture, and the baths were open to the public. The hot water pools reached 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), and the complex had an underground tunnel system for staff. During the Middle Ages, the baths were turned into a castle. The baths have also been used as a city wall and a monastery.
Today's visitors can tour the baths and the underground passageways. The Imperial Roman Baths are part of Trier's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Constantine started building the baths as part of a city-wide building project. Trier was one of the Empire's most important cities and considered a "Second Rome." Roman Trier was home to between 75,000 and 100,000 people.
Bathing was an important part of Roman culture, and the baths were open to the public. The hot water pools reached 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), and the complex had an underground tunnel system for staff. During the Middle Ages, the baths were turned into a castle. The baths have also been used as a city wall and a monastery.
Today's visitors can tour the baths and the underground passageways. The Imperial Roman Baths are part of Trier's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7) Thermen am Viehmarkt (Forum Baths)
The Forum Baths in Trier offer a fascinating glimpse into Roman life through a blend of ancient ruins and modern design. Discovered in 1987 during the construction of an underground car park, this thermal bath complex, dating from around 80 CE, marks Trier's first thermal baths, even predating the city’s other famous baths, the Barbarathermen and Kaiserthermen. Named after the cattle market (Viehmarkt) under which they were found, the baths were strategically designed, with warm and cold baths placed to align with sun and shade, reflecting the Romans’ architectural expertise.
Covering 8,364 square meters, the baths reached peak usage in the 3rd and 4th centuries. Following the decline of the Roman Empire, the baths fell into disrepair and were gradually forgotten, even serving as a quarry in the 13th century. Later, in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Capuchin Order built monastery buildings over parts of the ruins, and the area evolved into a cattle market by 1811.
To protect the ruins, architect Oswald Mathias Ungers designed a distinctive glass enclosure, known locally as the "Ungers showcase." The cuboid structure combines glass facades and metal stairwells, giving the impression of an elevated platform, with stone patterns tracing the Roman road network. Though Ungers’ design has sparked controversy for its impact on the ancient structures, it preserves the baths while offering a visually compelling, immersive experience.
Today, the Forum Baths are open to visitors and regularly host events, including the popular annual wine tasting organized by the Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Agriculture. Not included in the UNESCO World Heritage listing of Trier’s Roman monuments, the baths remain a lively historical site that invites debate on whether heritage status should be sought-an addition that could potentially limit the modern events now held here.
Covering 8,364 square meters, the baths reached peak usage in the 3rd and 4th centuries. Following the decline of the Roman Empire, the baths fell into disrepair and were gradually forgotten, even serving as a quarry in the 13th century. Later, in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Capuchin Order built monastery buildings over parts of the ruins, and the area evolved into a cattle market by 1811.
To protect the ruins, architect Oswald Mathias Ungers designed a distinctive glass enclosure, known locally as the "Ungers showcase." The cuboid structure combines glass facades and metal stairwells, giving the impression of an elevated platform, with stone patterns tracing the Roman road network. Though Ungers’ design has sparked controversy for its impact on the ancient structures, it preserves the baths while offering a visually compelling, immersive experience.
Today, the Forum Baths are open to visitors and regularly host events, including the popular annual wine tasting organized by the Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Agriculture. Not included in the UNESCO World Heritage listing of Trier’s Roman monuments, the baths remain a lively historical site that invites debate on whether heritage status should be sought-an addition that could potentially limit the modern events now held here.
8) Weinstube Kesselstatt (Kesselstatt Wine Bar)
The Kesselstatt Wine Bar (Weinstube Kesselstatt) in Trier is a quintessential wine bar nestled in a 250-year-old palace in Trier's historic heart. Known for its blend of elegant architecture and cozy ambiance, this establishment boasts both a beautiful vaulted wine cellar and a charming summer terrace with views of Trier Cathedral. Guests can savor high-quality, fresh regional cuisine, with dishes that evolve with the seasons to showcase local ingredients. Daily specials and a prix-fixe menu are complemented by a wide range of wines from the Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt estate, a vineyard that has been in the winemaking business for over 650 years. This estate is celebrated for its Rieslings, crafted from grapes grown on the Mosel River’s renowned steep, slate-covered vineyards.
Inside, the Kesselstatt Wine Bar feels both rustic and refined, with exposed beams, polished wood tables, and walls lined with wine bottles. In warmer weather, guests can enjoy outdoor seating at wine-barrel tables or on the grapevine-surrounded terrace, creating a feeling of being steps away from the historic vineyards along the Mosel River.
Beyond the restaurant experience, Kesselstatt Wine Bar offers a rich wine culture, including tastings in its historic 17th-century cellars, which once produced wine until the winemaking process moved off-site around 1980. The cellars, built on remnants of a Roman glassworks factory, stretch across 4,000 square meters and are a favored venue for wine events and storage. Wine lovers can partake in guided tastings, private sessions, and a wine walk around the Kesselstatt Palace and Trier Cathedral. Located a short journey from Kaiserslautern, this wine bar provides a rich, immersive experience in one of Germany’s oldest cities.
Inside, the Kesselstatt Wine Bar feels both rustic and refined, with exposed beams, polished wood tables, and walls lined with wine bottles. In warmer weather, guests can enjoy outdoor seating at wine-barrel tables or on the grapevine-surrounded terrace, creating a feeling of being steps away from the historic vineyards along the Mosel River.
Beyond the restaurant experience, Kesselstatt Wine Bar offers a rich wine culture, including tastings in its historic 17th-century cellars, which once produced wine until the winemaking process moved off-site around 1980. The cellars, built on remnants of a Roman glassworks factory, stretch across 4,000 square meters and are a favored venue for wine events and storage. Wine lovers can partake in guided tastings, private sessions, and a wine walk around the Kesselstatt Palace and Trier Cathedral. Located a short journey from Kaiserslautern, this wine bar provides a rich, immersive experience in one of Germany’s oldest cities.
9) Hauptmarkt (Main Market Square) (must see)
Main Market Square is the Trier's central square and one of its largest squares. Main Market Square has been a marketplace since the 10th century. Trier's main shopping streets meet here, and the square features many historic and landmark buildings.
Archbishop Heinrich I installed a cross in Main Market Square in 958. This ancient cross is one of Europe's oldest market crosses. It stands on an ancient Roman pillar, which served as a pillory. Visitors can see four holes where chains would have been attached to punish and humiliate law-breaking citizens publicly.
The cross features a Latin inscription, an image of the Lamb of God, and a victory banner. The sides of the cross have a sundial and a depiction of Saint Peter. The market cross is a replica, and the original cross is on display at the Simeonstift Municipal Museum.
The Petrusbrunnen fountain was created in 1594 by sculptor Hans Ruprecht Hoffman. A statue of Saint Peter stands at the top of the fountain, and representations of virtues stand around the fountain's base. The statues represent Fortitude, Temperance, Justice, and Wisdom. At the beginning of the Old Town Festival, residents add decorative lighting and a flower bouquet to the Saint Peter statue to ensure good holiday weather.
Main Market Square features historic houses from Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods, including the Steipe and Red Houses.
Visitors can access the Church of Saint Gangolf through the square. In addition, the square is an entrance point to the city's former Jewish quarter.
Main Market Square hosts several events and festivals throughout the year. For example, visitors might catch the Street Festival, the Old Town Festival, the Christmas Market, a New Year's Run, or the Corpus Christi Procession.
Archbishop Heinrich I installed a cross in Main Market Square in 958. This ancient cross is one of Europe's oldest market crosses. It stands on an ancient Roman pillar, which served as a pillory. Visitors can see four holes where chains would have been attached to punish and humiliate law-breaking citizens publicly.
The cross features a Latin inscription, an image of the Lamb of God, and a victory banner. The sides of the cross have a sundial and a depiction of Saint Peter. The market cross is a replica, and the original cross is on display at the Simeonstift Municipal Museum.
The Petrusbrunnen fountain was created in 1594 by sculptor Hans Ruprecht Hoffman. A statue of Saint Peter stands at the top of the fountain, and representations of virtues stand around the fountain's base. The statues represent Fortitude, Temperance, Justice, and Wisdom. At the beginning of the Old Town Festival, residents add decorative lighting and a flower bouquet to the Saint Peter statue to ensure good holiday weather.
Main Market Square features historic houses from Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods, including the Steipe and Red Houses.
Visitors can access the Church of Saint Gangolf through the square. In addition, the square is an entrance point to the city's former Jewish quarter.
Main Market Square hosts several events and festivals throughout the year. For example, visitors might catch the Street Festival, the Old Town Festival, the Christmas Market, a New Year's Run, or the Corpus Christi Procession.
10) Dreikönigenhaus (Epiphany House)
Epiphany House is an early Gothic residential tower and was completed in 1231. It is also known as the House of the Three Magi or the House of the Three Kings. The name comes from a painting representing the Epiphany that hung in the building's interior. In 1680, Johann Cornet ran "The Three Kings Inn" in this building.
This imposing house features a stark white facade with gold embellishments. The Ephinany House has ornate marble columns framing each window. Originally, the house was accessed through an upper level by a retractable ladder. This system provided safety in case of an attack. Trier probably had around ten such fortified houses, which were owned by influential and wealthy citizens.
The house was originally two separate front and back buildings, but the buildings are now connected with a staircase. Epiphany House has had several renovations throughout the centuries. The roof dates to 1696, and the building was renovated in 1938. An additional 1973 renovation sought to return the building to its original Medieval look. Today, the historic house hosts a cafe.
This imposing house features a stark white facade with gold embellishments. The Ephinany House has ornate marble columns framing each window. Originally, the house was accessed through an upper level by a retractable ladder. This system provided safety in case of an attack. Trier probably had around ten such fortified houses, which were owned by influential and wealthy citizens.
The house was originally two separate front and back buildings, but the buildings are now connected with a staircase. Epiphany House has had several renovations throughout the centuries. The roof dates to 1696, and the building was renovated in 1938. An additional 1973 renovation sought to return the building to its original Medieval look. Today, the historic house hosts a cafe.
