When you cross the border from Luxembourg into Germany and arrive in Trier, nothing stands out in particular. The first impression? Normal city. Shops, traffic lights, a train station. However, Trier once held the title of Second Rome. In the late Roman Empire, it became one of the imperial capitals of the western world. Emperors such as Constantine the Great lived and ruled from here. This was not some provincial town, it was a Roman strategic seat of governance and military planning.

The gate to Roman Empire - Porta Nigra

If you keep walking for another ten to fifteen minutes from Trier central station, you suddenly see it. The huge Porta Nigra. A massive Roman gate and the oldest and most iconic northern entrance to the Roman Empire. Built from large blocks of grey sandstone, this structure has survived nearly 2,000 years of wars, empires and generations. It once served as the northern watchpoint of Roman Germania, keeping the empire’s borders secure from barbarian invasions. At one point, it was converted into a church, and later, Napoleon decided to bring back its original form by ordering the removal of religious additions. Somehow it is still standing tall.

The view from Porta Nigra 2,000 years ago

Thermal luxury Roman style

If you though that the gates are the only thing what Romans left in Trier, you are wrong! Just outside the city there are the Roman imperial baths, built in the 2nd century. Although now reduced to cute ruins, they were once among the most advanced and extravagant thermal complexes in the Roman world. Think steam, heated floors, marble pools, lounging emperors. You can still walk there and use your imagination for the lavish style Romans might have back in the days.

Holy Robe

If you are one of those religious persons chasing relics or treasure-hunting sacred objects, Trier Cathedral is the place to be. It houses the Holy Robe, believed by many to be the seamless garment worn by Jesus during the crucifixion. Officially, there is no proof that it truly belonged to Him, but that has never stopped the flow of pilgrims who come here from all over the world to lay eyes on it. It is displayed only when the Church decides, and when it happens, the queue to the Trier Cathedral looks like a launch day of a new iPhone model.

Roman festival

Every summer, Trier transforms into a living Roman city during the Brot & Spiele Festival. From May to September, weekends are filled with historical reenactments, gladiator fights, military displays, and ancient crafts throughout the entire city. This festival is a great chance to eat, drink, cheer, and experience Trier exactly as it might have been nearly 2,000 years ago, except with better footwear and modern safety rules.

Karl Marx – the unexpected Instagram star

And if you are not that into ruins, relics, or history lessons, think again. Trier is also where Karl Marx was born. Yes, that Karl Marx. The philosopher, economist, and political theorist whose name is forever attached to communism and socialism. You can visit the house where he was born, now transformed into a museum. At first, I thought it would be boring. I mean, growing up in a post-Soviet style, I have heard enough about him already. My mom literally had to study Das Kapital at school. But honestly? The Karl Marx House Museum totally exceeded my expectations. It is modern, interactive, and surprisingly cool. It presents his life, ideas, and writings in a way that is accessible, and yes, even thought-provoking. It makes you reflect on how some of his critiques might still apply today, in our digital era.

There are touchscreens, projections, and Karl Marx even has his own Instagram account. Yes, it is an account of the museum, but still.. Who would have thought? So by any chance, if you are visiting Europe and you do not have time to go all the way south to the actual capital of Italy, think twice. Maybe Rome lies closer than you think.

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Holy Roman Empire