The mighty structure of Constantine's Basilica rises high into the sky, the monumental thermal baths were once among the largest in the Roman Empire, and the ruins of the ancient amphitheater bring to life the memory of the cruel spectacles of antiquity - in Trier, Germany's oldest city, the traces of its Roman past are omnipresent. But Trier has much more to offer and can be explored in a variety of ways. Five recommendations for a tour with very special city guides.
World history staged in an entertaining, exciting and modern way. In the atmospheric space of the former church of St. Paul, the production presents an exciting and rousing combination of live acting, large video projections, cinematic effects and elaborate animations of ancient settings. More info you will find here.
From the end of November until the end of December thousands of lights shine around Trier's market square every year. There is the smell of gingerbread and roasted almonds, and with a bit of luck, snowflakes trickle down from the dark sky. It's the best time of year to explore the city with someone who knows all about Christmas and its historical customs: Bishop Nicholas of Myra. There are many legends surrounding the historical St. Nicholas, which he tells visitors along the way. But he also has a lot of exciting stories in his luggage, for example about the first bishops of Trier, a miracle healing and a bishop whose name is Poppo von Babenberg.
1800 years ago, that in the amphitheater of Trier gladiators fought for victory and glory. Valerius was one of them. On his Adventure tour through the arena, he tells of his life on the lowest fringes of society, of all the suffering he has seen and of all the blood he himself has shed. The history and architecture of the theater are also not neglected in his stories. The meeting point for the 75-minute tour is directly at the amphitheater on the Petrisberg. And if you would like to try your hand as a gladiator yourself, you should visit the guided tour "Mythos Gladiator". A member of the gladiator school Trier introduces visitors to equipment and training, fighting techniques and living conditions of the ancient fighters.
Built around 330 AD Germany's oldest wine cellar on the banks of the Krahnen served the Roman citizens as a magazine and storehouse. Today, fine wines from the Vereinigte Hospitien winery, which is one of the most traditional wineries on the Moselle, are stored here. During the Leadership guests get an insight into the long history of cellar and wine growing in the region. And of course, one or the other glass will be tasted at the end.
Armed with lantern and halberd he patrols the alleys of Trier at night: In the 19th century, the night watchman ensured law and order when it got dark. He reminded homeowners to extinguish their candles, sent stray pub-goers home, and caught thieves and burglars - sometimes with the help of the city guard. His job was despised and yet immensely important. He tells of his life during the 90-minute guided tour. In addition, he knows many an insider story, historical anecdote and blasphemous joke to tell. And at the end he even invites the visitors to a Schmalzbrot and a glass of Viez, the typical cider of the region.
Cover photo: Big landmark very small - the Porta Nigra in Trier © Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH / Dominik Ketz
