Trier

We went to the city of Trier- Germany's oldest city (founded around 16 B.C. by the Romans). The Roman influence is still quite evident in the architecture and ruins found around the city.

This is the Porta Nigra- the black gate. It was once one of four gates built between 180 and 200 A.D. to the walled Roman city of Trier. Climbing the spiral staircase to the top gives a good view of the city.

Here I am sitting where the Romans once did.


Jessica thoroughly enjoyed herself- she kept warm in her mom's coat!
After the tour of the Porta Nigra, we stopped for a snack- fish and chips served with tartar sauce and a cute little wooden spoon!

The shopping district of Trier.


This is the Palace of Kesselstatt (1746) complete with Roman statues and reflection pool.


The Imperial Baths or Kaiserthermen- one of three Roman baths located around the city.


You could walk around the subterranean labyrinth which ran underneath the baths- very dark, cold and mysterious!

The Roman amphitheater was built during the 1st century B.C. and was used during the Roman imperial era (until the 5th century) for gladiator fights and animal contests. The stadium could seat up to 25,000 people.

You can walk underneath the arena into a vast basement where the gladiators, criminals, and exotic animals were kept prior to their release into the arena.

Next up was the Barbarathermen- one of the largest bathing facilities in the entire Roman Empire- the ruins are undergoing renovations and were only visible from the street, but very impressive!

Our last stop was the Thermen am viehmarkt- the preserved bath ruins in the center of town- they have built the city up and over the baths to help preserve the history. We liked this area because it was warm inside!

We ate dinner in a historical cellar restaurant and then went out for ice cream afterwards!