Romans, wine and the good life: Trier

Founded as Augusta Treverorum in 16 BC during the reign of Augustus Caesar, Trier is Germany's oldest city and an important site for classical monuments and art treasures. The Romans' great passion for architecture that shaped this city on the Moselle is demonstrated above all by the Porta Nigra, the best-preserved city gate from antiquity and now Trier's signature landmark.

2,000 years of history from the Roman Empire to the present day

Trier has many different aspects – as you might expect for a city that is more than 2,000 years old. Whether Augusta Treverorum or Novaesium – now better known as Trier and Neuss – is really Germany's oldest city is still a matter of debate, but there is no doubt that the Romans designated Trier as a city rather than a settlement. Roman emperors, bishops, electors and ordinary people alike have made this city what it is today. World-class architectural monuments – many of which have had UNESCO World Heritage status since 1986 – and art treasures have been preserved and tell of fascinating times gone past. Porta Nigra, the amphitheatre, the famous Imperial Thermal Baths where the Romans went to relax, remnants of the St. Barbara Roman Baths from the 2nd century and, just as old, the Roman Bridge, which is still part of a main road into the city, all bear witness to Trier's extensive Roman heritage.

The best of the Middle Ages and a philosopher who changed the world

Anyone with an eye for history and heritage will also be deeply impressed by Trier's medieval buildings, such as the Cathedral of St. Peter – the oldest in Germany – and the Church of Our Lady, which is connected to the cathedral by a cloister and was built between 1227 and 1243 in the earliest Gothic style. Trier's other sights include medieval Hauptmarkt square with the Steipe building, the Red House, St. Gangolf's Church, the carved stone cross, St. Peter's fountain and the nearby Judengasse lane, as well as the Benedictine Abbey of St. Matthew and the fortified residential towers such as the Frankenturm tower and Jerusalem tower. The Simeonstift museum is a good place to admire an impressive model of Trier, while the Rhenish State Museum contains the Neumagen wine ship, historical finds from antiquity and mosaic floors. Although his followers have now dwindled in number, Karl Marx was one of the major German thinkers and philosophers. The Karl Marx House, where he was born, and the home where he lived, are certainly worth a visit.

A Promised Land for wine connoisseurs and gourmets

Despite its intellectual and historical roots, Trier is a thoroughly young and vibrant town thanks to its two universities, and strikes a wonderful, lively and appealing balance between its fascinating past and buzzing present. Shops, cafés, bars and bistros across the town invite visitors to stroll around or watch the world go by. Theatres, venues and trendy clubs offer a diverse mixture of music, cabaret and other entertainment. Trier's proximity to its French neighbour is also noticeable throughout the town, especially when it comes to eating and drinking. A multitude of top-rated restaurants in and around Trier offer an unparalleled dining experience. Excellent wines from the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer are, of course, very much in evidence and delight visitors to the many wine festivals and town celebrations. The annual highlight is the month-long Wine & Gourmet Festival, where you can sample culinary excellence in the region's restaurants and other selected venues – a good reason to spend a whole month in Trier.