Originally a city gate, then a church and now a monument: the Porta Nigra, or black gate, the largest and best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps, is now Trier's most famous landmark. As is often the case with historical monuments, the building was never actually finished. Given the technical capabilities of the time, this is hardly surprising. For an opportunity to delve deep into the gate's past, you can take a tour with a real centurion in parade uniform to discover the Porta Nigra secret.

An enthralling show based on historical sources, Hercules and the Queen of the Amazons take place in the amphitheatre that witnessed combat between Roman gladiators some 1,8oo years ago. It will be just one highlight of Trier's Bread and Circuses' Roman festival in September. The festival presents the diversity of that age: mythology and astronomy, traditional craftsmanship, Romans going about their everyday lives and legionnaires at exercise. Taverns - of course serving 'genuine' Roman fare - provide a place to relax and watch the world go by. Children will have fun practising their archery skills, minting coins, trying on chain mail costumes and making their own jewellery.

The impressive ruins of the Imperial Thermal Baths, along with the derelict rooms and the walls of previous structures, are among the most important to have been discovered in Trier. Today a visit to the thermal baths, which can also be explored below ground, is like stepping back in time. The walls of the hot bath (caldarium) are deservedly part of this famous landmark in Trier. After the one in Rome, the Imperial Thermal Baths and St. Barbara Roman Baths were once among the largest bathing complexes in the Roman empire. The 'Betrayal at the Thermals' tour takes visitors on an exciting journey back to a near forgotten age.