Trier, Germany
Today was my first trip out of France for the semester! My INTA 2221 class took a field trip to Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Trier was founded by the Celts in the late 4th century BC and was later conquered by the Romans in the late 1st century BC. Evidence of the Romans is all over the city and many of the structures the Romans built are well preserved. For a quick look, check out my “60 Seconds in Trier, Germany” video at the bottom of this post.
Our first stop was the Roman amphitheater where Romans enjoyed animal fights, prisoner executions, and the main event: gladiator fights. Underneath the amphitheater was a cellar where animals and fighters would have waited to be hoisted to the surface by lifts. We then headed to Aula Palatina, or The Basillica of Constantine, which was the reception hall for Emperor Constantine’s palace. The hall was eventually transformed into a residence for the medieval bishops of Trier. Today it is a protestant place of worship.
Next came a look at the Cathedral of St. Peter and The Church of Our Lady, also known as Liebfrauenkirche. The Cathedral of St. Peter is the oldest church in Germany and together with the Church of Our Lady and Aula Palatina, it forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the Cathedral of St. Peter is the Chapel of the Holy Robe for the relic of the Seamless Robe of Jesus. Unfortunately, the robe was not on display when I visited. The Church of Our Lady was constructed in the shape of a Greek cross, meaning all points are equidistant from the altar. This represents a 12 pointed rose, a symbol of the Virgin Mary. The door to the Church of Our Lady is decorated with several biblical figures. These were created so that people who couldn’t read would still be able to know the stories from the bible.
Now food! For lunch, I went to one of Trier’s most popular wine restaurants “Zum Domstein” which was right in the town center. I ordered cordon bleu vom schwein which is cordon bleu (pork) stuffed with ham and cheese served with french fries and a salad and had a riesling to go with it. After lunch, I walked around the shops in town, got a banana nutella crepe, then headed back to GTL. Trier was much more enjoyable than I anticipated. I recommend everyone visit Trier to see incredible Roman ruins, beautiful churches, and vibrant inhabitants!
