Trier - sightseeing

After our nine days in the Mosel we stayed in Trier for a city break. It is still on the Mosel river and is famous for its Roman buildings. We decided to use the Hop on Hop off bus for a tour of the city and to get from one place of interest to another. Our 50 minute bus tour with great commentary also included an hour's river cruise on the Mosel. 

The bus tour was superb, passing all the city's main building,dings but also going to the top of a small hill giving a fantastic view across the vines.

Our river cruise was quite different to the one we had earlier in our holiday. The Mosel river and its banks changes quite considerably. As well as the city view the river here has sandstone cliffs and narrow strips of vines. It was a lovely cruise although a bit warm; we were late morning and the temperature was already 29°.

I was amazed at the Roman structures still standing, not only because of their age but also because generations since have not dismantled them to build a new building, something I feel we do too much of these days. 

We visited two of the Roman sites, the first being the amphitheatre. It was huge and although the original seating areas are now grass it is clear to see how impressive an arena it would have been.

As well as looking down from the highest tier we also walked underneath and through the entrance of the gladiators or performers. The main floor is actually a wooden structure with a vast cellar underneath. It is full of water today with walkways but was a very impressive sight. It is at times uncomprehensible as to the age of the bricks and structure still standing. 

The day was getting hotter and so I sat in the shade whilst Hubby explored more. This photo shows how huge the amphitheatre is, Hubby looks tiny on the higher tier.

Walking back into the city centre we passed the Dom Trier (Cathedral), founded in 1035 and the adjacent Gothic Basilica built on Roman foundations. Both were so impressive, the Cathedral had some very ornate shrines and alter whilst the Basilica has superb stained glass windows and painted ceilings.

Our final sight seeing of the day was the very impressive Porta Nigra. Originally a gate for the Roman city it was then used as a church with additional walls built around it. These were later removed to once more reveal the impressive gateway. Unbelievably the stones have no mortar, it is a dry stone building dating back nearly 2000 years. 

The view of Trier centre was superb, made better of course by the Bummelzug. It was certainly a bustling city with a variety of visitors; some large tour groups, school trips, shoppers and tourists like Hubby and I. 

We had a super day in Trier, what better way to finish it off then with a wine tasting before dinner.