The rightful assertion according to which Trier is the oldest city in Germany is more
than enough to catch visitors’ interests. Indeed, this is the main asset that places Trier on the tourist map of Europe, and the fact that the Roman and medieval remnants have been so well preserved is the reason for considering the city – or, more accurately, parts of it – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Second Rome, as it used to be referred to in ancient times, Trier also has a rich cultural and religious background. In fact, the city was the first one beyond the Alps to host a Christian Archbishop, which is highly relevant as to its importance for the history of Christianity in Europe. Yet, Trier is not a destination for tourists who get a thrill from such objectives exclusively. On the contrary, it is a sparkling lively city enhancing good shopping opportunities and lovely bike trips along the Moselle and Saar Rivers while admiring the flourishing vineyards covering the hills of the city.
Long before Romans gained dominion over the place (in the year 30 BC), Trier is said to have been founded by an Assyrian prince, Trebeta. Romans’ passage is extremely closely rendered by the many vestiges preserved in Trier. However, after the Roman retreat, Franks were the ones to enforce their rule over the city, and, for that matter, France had always been a force coveting after the domination of the place. But it was not until 1815 that Trier became a definite part of the Kingdom of Prussia. As a local curiosity, only three years after this event, the world renowned Karl Marx was born in Trier. The two world wars affected Trier by a series of unfortunate episodes but, all in all, they were not fatally damaging for the historic heritage of the city.
Tourists should rest assured as to accommodation: this basic aspect of their trip will never become an issue in Trier. The city has a fairly proficient infrastructure of hotels and other similar establishments which offer accommodation solutions. Thus, regardless of budget, visitors are just as welcome to stay in the Trier hotels and hostels in order to make the best of their trip.
In terms of local dishes, Trier does not necessary excel in original or spectacular cuisine. However, this possible drawback, as some may regard it, is quickly evened by the many fine eating venues in the city which serve their products in an atmosphere charged with the historic dash of the place. On the other hand, Trier is well known for its production of wines, of beer and of a more specific drink, namely, the Viez Limo. The bottom line is that regardless of the content of the meal, one will always have what to wash it down with.
The Roman heritage basically consists of Porta Nigra, the Basilica, the Imperial Baths, the Amphitheater and the Roman Bridge, all of which are invaluable tourist objectives. The Trier Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady are the most significant religious establishments, the latter having been built on the ruins of a former palace of Emperor Constatine. The Episcopal Cathedral and Diocesan Museum, the Rhenish State Museum, as well as the Simeonstift Municipal Museum and the Karl Marx House add to the list of must-see objectives, but the Electoral Palace and Gardens should not be disregarded either.
Tourists should know that Trier takes pride in hosting the greatest Roman Festival in Germany, called Brot und Spiele. Another event evoking ancient times is the Trier Antiquity Festival, but coming up to more modern dash events, one should always take into account the fact that the city is the place where the German round of the World Rally Championships has been held so far 2000. The Moselle Festival and the International Festival of Wine and Culture are yet other two events worth attending to.
Founding member of the United Nations, of NATO and of the European Union, of Benelux and, finally, of OECD, Luxembourg speaks for itself when it comes to its political importance. In terms of tourism, Luxembourg is more than resourceful, but one can genuinely check the validity of this assertion only by making on their own the experience of this destination.
Birthplace of Paul Verlaine, Metz is more than the administrative capital of the Lorraine region. It is a place full of history and a great destination for cultural tourism. However, Metz might also surprise by the spectacular opportunities in terms of gastronomic tourism, which is no dismissible feature.
Dainty feeders know a place like Strasbourg is always worth checking since, as a rule, the blend of two different cuisines (French and German) into one single expression is a genuine challenge. And Strasbourg, indeed, is one of the most coherent embodiments of such gastronomic alliances. All these aspects aside, Strasbourg also yields spectacular sceneries in terms of architectural display.
Utrecht is only the second liveliest citie in the Netherlands in terms of cultural live, after Amsterdam. But Utrecht also puts forward amazing tourist opportunities other than the cultural circuit. Nightlife and shopping, as well as cuisine, are further assets to contribute to the tourist worth of Utrecht.
The Hague is reputed as residence of the bigwigs of the Netherlands and of other officials of Europe. So, in view of getting a glimpse of what their home looks like, one should definitely head for The Hague, a city which is also striking by the amount of natural asset put forward in terms of tourist attractions.
The all-controversial and all-inviting opportunities made available by Amsterdam are evened, some might say, by the mild beauty of this city which floats gracefully above the water. Indeed, Amsterdam has gained a reputation as source of tourist thrills generated by the red light district and by the cannabis coffee shops, on the one hand, and by the overall calm and almost otherworldly air exuded by its numerous channels and bridges.
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