Where France and Germany Meet 6: October 2012 Road Scholar

6. Visit to Trier

It was a cold day on October 8, but we enjoyed our visit to the very ancient city of Trier (Trèves in French). Our local guide, Andrea, narrated a thorough coach tour and then led us on a fascinating walking tour through several parts of town. We were able to contemplate the historical depth of this very attractive old city.

Trier was taken for the Romans by Julius Caesar himself between 58 and 50 B.C. It is renowned as one of the homes of Emperor Constantine who turned the Roman Empire to Christianity. Trier became the capital of the north-western part of the Roman Empire and it also became the first seat of a Christian Bishop to be established north of the Alps. The Archbishop of Trier, later recognized as an Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, became one of the most important people in Europe. France took Trier in 1794, but it became part of Prussia and Germany in the 19th century. Karl Marx was born there in 1818. Trier is also a noted university town.

After visiting Trier, our group returned to the Ste Odile where, of course, we enjoyed another spectacular lunch.

Emperor Constantine, who did much to put Trier on the map, left behind the left foot portion of his huge statue.
(Sandi and I once saw the corresponding portion of his gigantic head at the Vatican .)

Constantine built one of the largest public baths in Trier (368 feet wide by 656 feet long!!!)

Our guide Andrea prepared us well for the sights of Trier. Also, she had the best stockings of anyone on the entire trip.

The pink Rococo style palace of the Prince Elector, built in 1756

The detail on the palace was exquisite.

The throne hall of the Emperor Constantine has stood for 1800 years and has been used for many purposes throughout the centuries. It was damaged by bombs in World War 2 and later restored.

I like shots of doors.

The Church of Our Lady, in the centre of town, has Romanesque and Gothic characteristics.

I was quite taken with what seemed to be a Moorish influence in building the Church.

The upper stories of this building on the Market Street caught my eye.

The Porta Nigra (Black Gate), built by the Romans in 180 AD ,  is the best preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps.

The Euroshop building, on the market street, has a plaque denoting that this is where Karl Marx was born in 1818.

While others were shopping, I skipped over to the Karl Marx Museum. This is the house where he grew up.

I enjoyed thinking about the wisdom of Karl Marx's personal advice.

We exited from the other side of the Porta Nigra.

Back onboard ship, the lunch exceeded expectations. The onion pie was delicious.

Hake filet in flour and Grenoble-style butter with mushroom risotto and broccoli fleurettes

This was my favourite dessert (Supreme Liegeois and vanilla cream)