Trier on a Toasty Friday

So, as promised, Friday was a little fun outing for us. We snagged our international licenses in Birkenfeld (because I lost mine and Rob never had one and we need them for Italy) and then headed to Trier for exploring! Rob hadn't been yet and I didn't explore everything when I'd been before.

One step closer to Italy! Only two weeks away!

Trier was a nice little day trip but boy it was HOT! We both of course got sunburned but it was a nice little walk about. The drive wasn't far, only about 45 minutes. While there we walked a good amount and saw the Porta Negra, cathedral and the Basilica of Constantine, or Aula Palatina.

The Porta Negra
An old large Roman City Gate, the largest Roman city gate north of the Alps

we were hungry and didn't want heavy food- we instead got a
pretzely thing with cheese and ham on it.

the Dom (cathedral), the oldest in Germany.

The cathedral construction was started in 326 AD. It used to be a lot bigger but was severely damaged over the years and some parts were rebuilt.

the church was beautiful!

that ceiling tho! so much detail!

this is a post card of the cathedral - such a beautiful view.

this one emphasizes the detail on the ceilings

this is a map of the cathedral

The organ was immaculate. So stunning. It just looked to have hung there.

Burials of what seemed to be past bishops

Next we headed downstairs to a lower level chapel and other burials of bishops.

The bishops of the church

dating back to 250 AD

and still being added.

the ceiling at one end of the cathedral

Next we went out into the church's garden.

Next location - the Basilica of Constantine (Aula Palatina) was built in the early 300s and is now a Lutheran church. It was Constantine's throne room and this is the largest surviving single room structure from the Roman times. The organ there is magnificent and has a 7 second echo. There was an organ player there when we went and it was beautiful to listen too.

Here is video clip with music from the organ. I'm know the quality isn't good but you can KINDA hear the echo (obviously not as good as in person).

 

Artwork lined the walls of the church (almost as a weekend art exhibit). Very beautiful pieces.

The church was expanded in 1614 and 3 wings were added. This garden is outside the basilica today.

part of the building that was added

After we saw the basilica we walked around a bit more but our feet were sore and we were HOT! I was told there was a super yummy potato restaurant in town but we didn't want a heavy or warm lunch. We'll head back there for dinner one night. We found where the restaurant was but decided to pass.

This fountain was outside of the restaurant.

random street in Trier :)

"I wish I was pretty but I'm only a wall."

On the way home I tried to snag a pretty picture of the vineyards we drove past on our way there - along the Moselle river.

Once we got home it was so hot so we decided to relax, enjoy cold margaritas, and watch some parks and recreation. I'm debating on making a homemade AC unit today because I'm dying!

The heat is even getting to the doggies.

It was a nice way to spend the afternoon and I'm happy we got out to explore a bit - if only I wasn't sunburned!