In the footsteps of Constantine

To finish up our Mosel River valley weekend we enjoyed the Roman ruins left by Emperor Constantine in the oldest city in Germnay, Trier. Interestingly, Trier has the distinction of being one of the few cities of Europe to have been capital to the Roman Empire. We started at the Porta Nigra or "Black Gate" which was built in grey sandstone between 180 and 200 AD. In Roman times, the Porta Nigra was part of a system of four city gates, one of which stood at each side of the roughly rectangular Roman city. The Porta Nigra guarded the northern entry to the Roman city, while the Porta Alba (White Gate) was built in the east, the Porta Media (Middle Gate) in the south, and the Porta Inclyta (Famous Gate) in the west, next to the Roman Bridge crossing the Mosel River. The gates stood at the ends of the two main streets of the Roman Trier, one of which led north-south and the other east-west. Of these gates, only the Porta Nigra still exists today. It is an impressive introduction to the city and it provided a lovely view of the city as the mist was slowly burned off.


Next we made it over to the church that Constantine built. The architectural style was really interesting since a much newer church (16th Century) was built abutting it.  The Roman and French Gothic styles right next to each other were a study in contrast.  One is quite blunt and functional and the other is ornate and imposing.  It housed the most beautiful organ I have ever seen. Since we were there on a Sunday, we had the pleasure of hearing it play. I especially appreciate how it seems to float up above everyone. (The picture doesn't do it justice.)


Continuing in our Roman tradition, we saw the building that had once been the throne room for emperor Constantine (it was now an evangelical church - I thought that was appropriate, from one king's throne to honoring the King of Kings) and then to the ruins of the Roman baths. Apparently there were 3 and they comprised the largest roman baths north of the Alps.


We were particularly fond of the foot in front. They made a cast of the remains of a statue, a foot, found in Trier and were good enough to mount it out in front of the baths.  This statue is believed to be of emperor Constantine and is one of the largest known sculptures made in roman times, if the size of the foot is evidence to the overall size of the statue.  (I liked D's being hammy...)


We had clearly seen the highlights of Trier after the foot, so we continued our tour of the Mosel River up to its confluence with the Rhine in the city of Koblenz. Again, it was a beautiful city and a beautiful day and we really just enjoyed being out in it.



We took in the view of the fantastic castle across the way...



and as you can see, we enjoyed our trip.  (A very nice German man was willing to take our picture.  I like our self-portraits, but the ones taken by others allow such a nicer view of the surroundings.)