Trier

Trier is one of the oldest towns in Germany. Founded in 16 BC, Trier later became the capital of the West Roman Empire and was conquered by Germanic tribes in the 5th century. This is also the birthplace of Karl Marx and has some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Germany.

Electoral Palace- Former residence of the Trier electoral princes and present seat of the of the regional Rhineland-Palatinate authority (aka: another beautiful government building). Impeccably manicured gardens surround this building.

Aula Palatina (310 AD) has served as a Roman throne hall, army barracks, and Protestant church...how's that for multi-tasking?

This is a more detailed picture of the same building. Note the damage to the exterior was not completely repaired after WWII. It was quite interesting to tour a city nearly destroyed in WWII with a native German...at one point I was told, "The American's did this...". Well, yes, yes, they did...but I think there was a reason for it all, right...? Awkward, but eye-opening to get this perspective.

Porta Nigra, Roman gateway

While sitting outside at this cafe, I couldn't help but feel that we were in Rome, Italy. It was a lovely trip to Trier with the Friedman's and Irsfeld's.