In the second and third century AD, Trier was known as "Roma secunda", the second Rome. The emperor himself had a palace built here, both for residential purposes and as a seat of government, far from the true city of Rome which was threatened by roaming barbarian tribes, as the once so powerful Roman Empire withered away.
The Trier of late antiquity was a pulsating city, a centre of transport and trade, connected by road and river to all the regions of Europe. Anyone visiting the town today, will literally stumble across traces of that distant past, nearly 2000 years ago, round almost every corner. The remains of the thermal baths and the old amphitheatre serve as reminders of its past greatness and affluence. Today, they are the scene of the "Ancient Theatre Festival" which takes place here every summer, offering plays, operas and operettas in front of a historic backdrop.
A look behind the scenes can be obtained during a tour of the old amphitheatre, guided with a great deal of wit and drama by one of the actors at the festival.
Tourist-InformationTrier
An der Porta Nigra
54290 Trier
+49 (0) 651-9780815
+49 (0) 651-44759
Virtuelle Welten Trier/ Virtal Worlds Trier
Heinrich-Weitz-Str. 8
54295 Trier
+49 (0) 651-9940169
+49 (0) 651-42935
Antikenfestspiele/ Ancient Theatre Festival
Am Augustinerhof[
54290 Trier
+49 (0) 651-7181818
+49 (0) 651-71814 68
Accomodation:
Park Plaza Hotel Trier
Nikolaus-Koch-Platz 1
54290 Trier
+49 (0) 651-9993
+49 (0) 651-9993