"Trier -- ancient Roman city in German wine country" Trier by Ewingjr98

Gardens at the Electoral Palace, Trier

Trier is Germany's oldest city and one of its most beautiful. Here you can enjoy anything from Roman ruins to classical German cuisine and German wines. It is definitely one of Germany's must-see cities!

According to history, Trier existed 1,300 years before Rome was founded. The Romans occupied Trier from the time of Julius Caesar and maintained control of the city for 500 years. For about 100 years following AD 285, most Roman Emperors lived in Trier rather than Rome. Roman documents dating from 354 consider Trier one of the four centers of the empire, along with Rome, Constantinople, and Alexandria. From the Roman period, Constantine's Basilica, the Imperial Baths, the Amphitheater, the Porta Nigra, and other magnificent buildings remain.

Barbarian statue in Trier

In later years, Trier fell under French, Spanish, then ultimately German rule, each also leaving lasting impressions on the city, such as the pink Electoral Palace attached to the ancient Basilica.

Of course, in the 20th Century, Trier suffered through both World War I and World War II, sitting on Germany's western frontier. France occupied the city from the end of WWI until 1930. During WWII, much of the city was destroyed by allied bombing, luckily for later generations, the citizens preserved many of the key historical remnants. After WWII, Trier again fell into the French Occupation Zone.

Today Trier is a vibrant city of about 100,000 residents. It has a strong position as the largest city on the Mosel River, and the center of this region. The Mosel itself is a major shipping route through southwestern Germany, and it is also home to some of Germany's best wine country. Tourism has become a major industry in the city, mainly for people of neighboring countries with easy access to Trier's shopping and historical centers.

• Pros:Amazing history, excellent wine, small town feel
• Cons:Far from Europe's major cities