August 4th ~ Trier, Germany
Along the Moselle River
The ship had overnighted in Trier, so first thing this morning we headed out for a walking tour of the town. Once again the skies had opened up and we had a wet greeting, but umbrella in hand, we were not to be deterred this time.
Originally settled by the Celts in the 4th century BC, then the Romans late in the 1st century BC, making Trier probably the oldest city in Germany. Becoming the favored residence of several Roman emperors, she earned the nickname “Second Rome”.
“Nowhere else in Germany is the evidence of Roman times as vivid as it is in Trier” ~ GoGermany.about.com
Trier is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites which are lumped together as Roman ruins. The cornerstone being the Black Gate (Porta Nigra), which is where our walking tour started. This is the largest Roman city gate north of the Alps.
Black Gate
Not surprising, it is named because of the dark coloring of the massive stones. The structure is over 1700 years old and the only one of the four originals still standing.
Palace of Trier aka Kurfurstliches Palais
Another part of the UNESCO site includes the Basilica of Constantine, also called Aula Palatina, built by the Emperor Constantine back in the 4th century. Today it is used as the Church of the Redeemer. The Aula Palatina was built around AD 310 as a part of the palace complex.
The Basilica of Constantine
More recent history includes being heavily bombed during WWII where much of the city was damaged or destroyed. Over 60,000 British prisoners of war (captured in Northern France and Dunkirk) passed through Trier en route to German prisoner-of-war camps.
Cathedral of St. Peter and Church of Our Lady in Trier – both UNESCO sites
One of the more bizarre experiences on this trip, was to enter one church and exit from a different church.
Two churches side by side St. Peter’s Cathedral (left) and Church of our Lady (right)
First we entered St. Peter’s Cathedral (Trier Dom). Heavily damaged during the war, the Cathedral of Trier was reopened in 1974 and in 1984, they celebrated their 2,000th anniversary.
Loved seeing the organ pipes!
Then walking through the passageway, we entered Church of our Lady (Liebfrauenkirche).
This is the little passageway that connects them
The Church of our Lady is shaped almost round which is unusual.
“…whose cross-shaped vaulting with four corresponding portals in rounded niches is completed by eight rounded altar niches so that the floor plan resembles a twelve-petaled rose, a symbol of the Virgin Mary, the rosa mystica, and reminiscent of the twelve tribes of Israel and the Twelve Apostles.” ~ Wikipedia
Church of our Lady
And then finally exiting through this gorgeously detailed door:
Door of Church of our Lady
Spotted this in a shop window, but have no idea what it is or how it is used. Any ideas???
Can anyone tell me what this pillow device is?
Back on board for an afternoon of cruising. The weather was still unpleasant, but breaks allowed us to be up on deck periodically to get more familiar with sights along the Moselle River.
Cruising along the Moselle River
Took a quick peak inside the wheelhouse
In the middle of the afternoon we were treated to a delicious spread of tea sandwiches, cakes and chocolate delights including a chocolate fountain with a variety of fruits to dip.
And just in case we had not already found enough to eat…
Time for dinner!
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful for an abundance of chocolate. Bet I won’t get many who would disagree with that!
A Note From Abroad 
Wow, is that a photo of the boat you were on? How did you like it. We hesitate going that way as my Sister-in-law said it was terrible – too cramped. Would love to know your thoughts – please. Big hugs,
Petrina
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Hi Petrina! The pictures of the upper sun deck, hallway and chocolate feast were all taken on the River Queen. Your sister-in-law is correct that the ships are much smaller than ocean going vessels, but we absolutely love cruising on the rivers of Europe. With Uniworld, once you unpack, you get pampered for the one to two weeks on board with attentive service and fabulous food. Each day your ship docks in a new city, normally only a couple minute walk into town. Daily guided tours are included if you want them (most everyone participates, but you are welcome to explore on your own if you prefer). In our opinion, they are a real treat and we look forward to taking another one next year!
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You guys are so cute! I agree with you and love chocolate and those pastries look very tempting too. Trier looks interesting.
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Hello Merrill and many thanks. Whomever invented the chocolate fountain should be immortalized!
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That thing in the window? It’s a foot pillow. No traveler should be without one. 🙂 Actually, it works really well in offices if you are tied to a computer for 8 hours a day.
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Thank you Ray for saving the day! That is so peculiar as well as very interesting. Do you put your feet into those two holes?
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Yep. So if you are sitting in a chair you can raise your feet a few inches which is really all you need if a doctor tells you to elevate your feet for some reason.
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I agree….if you can do a river cruise no matter which company you are spoilt from the moment you step aboard. Our cruise was amazing, rooms are serviced twice a day. So much food no excuse to be hungry. The day tours are everything and more. The rooms are small but have everything you need. Really…sleep and shower etc. As you spend most of the time up on the deck or lounge. I have recently just returned from a trip on the Rhine with my 2 sisters. We found our room perfect. So glad i found your blog. love reading travel blogs
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How wonderful that you get to travel with your sisters! I too am happy you found us – WELCOME.
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Thank you, yes it was an amazing time. I am still writing up our blog, as life gets in the way!
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I know what you mean about the challenges of finding enough time to get to my writing.
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Visited there last year and had a wonderful visit even if I didn’t have a foot pillow. 🙂
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HaHa! I did not even realize that I needed one. Love to learn though…
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Looks like a very civilized way to travel, Joanne. How large are your rooms? –Curt
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Curt, the rooms are not very big. I think they average around 150 sq ft on the River Queen. But although not spacious we found them comfortable.
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Which is about the amount of space the Peggy and I have in our RV/van that we traveled for four years in. 🙂
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The boat looks fabulous. And the food! Swoon! Also you’ve once again gotten some beautiful church interior shots.
Alison
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Alison, the chef does an outstanding job providing variety and many local specialties. Very impressed.
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That little pillow says “foot cushion”. Probably for “putting your feet up” without getting “cold feet”. I doubt that the Germans have either of these sayings though.
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Thank you for the translation.
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After posting I noticed it was already explained. I’m new to this blogging business. Enjoy your travels.
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Welcome to blogging! And your comments are always welcome here ❤️
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Thank you
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You are a wonderful blogger…
Loved your blog…!!
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Sorry, somehow I missed your comment. Belatedly – thank you very much!
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Your welcome 🙂
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