Before there was Germany, there was Trier: Augusta Treverorum, founded in 16 BC and at times the residence of Roman emperors. The Porta Nigra, the imperial baths, and the Constantine Basilica still stand — all UNESCO World Heritage.
What to See
- Porta Nigra: the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps.
- Imperial baths & amphitheatre: bathing culture and gladiators — walkable ruins.
- Cathedral of St. Peter: Germany's oldest bishop's church, home of the Holy Robe.
- Hauptmarkt: one of the country's most beautiful market squares.
- Karl Marx House: birthplace of the city's most famous son.
In Trier, "old town" is meant literally — 2,000 years, not 500.
Getting There and the Tour
Trier lies about 2 hours west of Frankfurt Airport, idyllically on the Moselle. The private Trier day trip (from €600) gives you 4–5 hours on site; Moselle-loop photo stops fit nicely on the way back.
Combine with Luxembourg
Luxembourg City is only 50 km further — many guests combine the two via the Luxembourg day trip with a Trier stop. More under day trips from Frankfurt.
40 Years of World Heritage
UNESCO inscribed Trier's Roman monuments, the Cathedral of St. Peter and the Church of Our Lady as World Heritage on 28 November 1986, and the city is marking the 40th anniversary throughout 2026. Still to come this autumn: the Trierer Unterwelten festival in the city's cellars and underground spaces (29 October – 21 November) and the official anniversary day on 28 November. The full programme is on trier-info.de.
