Things to Do in Moselle Valley

The Hauptmarkt in Trier, Germany is the city's main square, and it is located near the Liebfrauenkirche and St. Peter's Cathedral. The square is marked by a stone cross that dates back to 958, although the one you see today is a replica as the original has been moved into the City Museum. This is the center of the city's commercial activity, and you will find an abundance of stores where you can go shopping as well as cafes and restaurants to grab a meal. Several pedestrian streets connect with the square, making it the perfect area to go for a stroll while exploring the history of the oldest city in Germany.

A statue of St. Peter forms part of the market fountain dating back to 1595. He is surrounded by the four cardinal virtues of Justice, Strength, Temperance, and Wisdom, as well as monsters and monkeys. On one side of the market is the entrance to the old Jewish quarter of the city. This square also played an important role in the struggle between the two churches during medieval times. In December you'll find Christmas markets set up in this square.

The Rheinisches Landesmuseum is the archaeological museum in Trier, Germany. It is one of the most important archaeological museums in the country and documents 200,000 years of history. Exhibits show the cultural development of this region starting with prehistoric times until the end of the 18th century. There are around 4,500 objects on display, including the largest mosaic collection north of the Alps. Visitors can also see vivid scenes of daily life on the huge stone burial monuments from Neumagen. The world's largest Roman gold coin collection with over 2,600 gold coins can be found here as well.

The museum has an impressive permanent collection as well as space for temporary exhibitions. Free audio guides are available, and twice a day visitors can experience “In the Realm of Shadows,” a theater production among the Roman burial monuments. The museum is also an important research facility, and almost everything on display here was excavated by the museum itself.

Located next to the Basilica, Kurfürstliches Palais in Trier, Germany is one of the most beautiful rococo buildings in the world. Today it is used by the regional governmental administration. The palace shows visitors the grandeur of the Electors and the Archbishops from the past few centuries. Building began in the early 1600s, and several wings were added over the years. Visitors can see an impressive rococo staircase in the south wing. This staircase leads to the present seat of the District Administrator.

Occasionally concerts are held in the Grand Chamber or outside in the courtyard. The Palace Gardens located outside are well manicured and use intricate patterns. The garden was designed in a Baroque style and has several beautiful fountains and sculptures. Trier is considered the oldest city in Germany, and at one end of the garden, you can admire the Roman Imperial Baths dating back to the time when the Roman Empire ruled this area.