Trier

Trier is perhaps Germany's oldest city. It was once the capital of a Roman province, and ruins from those days can still be seen across the city. The most impressive ruin is the Porta Nigra, or Black Gate, a massive gatehouse dating back to the late second century AD.

Trier was also a residence of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great (c. 272 - 337), who was keen on expanding the city. One of his major projects was Basilica of Constantine, which is now a church.

Speaking of churches, the Cathedral of Trier is...amazing. I can't say it captured my imagination quite like Aachen did, but it was a sprawling, majestic place filled with works of exquisite art. I even paid a couple of bucks to visit the treasury. Alas, the cathedral's most impressive relics -- the skull of St. Helena (the mother of Constantine) and the Seamless Robe of Jesus -- were not on display.

Today I'm joining a colleague for a barbecue at the home of a German friend of his, and then tomorrow it's back to work!