Day Trip to Trier

Last weekend, we spent Saturday in Bonn and Sunday in Trier. Trier competes with Worms for the title of the oldest city in Germany. There are ruins here from the third century, when Trier was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Trier is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, namely for its well-preserved ruins. 

The drive to Trier was easy and smooth, and we enjoyed every bit of it. Upon arriving in Trier, we easily found parking and walked right out to the sight of the Porta Nigra (the most famous ruin in Trier). After this, we walked around Trier, enjoying the sights of the city. Many of the buildings were built in the 13th and 14th century, with modern store-fronts. It is a wonderful mixture of old and new. 

On the way home, we decided not to take the Autobahn, and we wound through all the small towns leading to Kaiserslautern. It was a wonderful Valentine's Day, and we immensely enjoyed our day and each other. 

The Porta Nigra (black gate (above)) was built in the second century, and defended the northern town wall. It is made of stones that were fitted into place without mortar! The stones are held together by iron crampons. 

The double arcade of the central block leads to an inner court (below). If assailants broke through the outer gates, then they would be exposed from all sides within the court. 

This building was built in 1230.

All of the Bishops of the Church of Trier since 250 CE.

After leaving Trier, we took the "long way" home, finding our way to the Bostalsee Lake. It was a serene place this time of year, but it seemed like in the summer time, there will be many facilities and cabins opened around the lake. The Bostalsee Lake is a sailing lake, and many sailboats were stored near the lake. We are looking forward to returning and renting a sailboat.