Things to do in  Moselle Valley

A tributary of the Rhine that originates in the Vosges Mountains and flows through France, Luxembourg, and Germany, the Moselle River—known as the “Mosel” in German—snakes through some of Europe’s finest scenery. Its steep slopes make it one of Germany’s highlight wine regions, celebrated in particular for its world-class riesling.

Main Market (Hauptmarkt) is the vibrant heart of Trier's historic center, showcasing important landmarks such as the Fountain of St. Peter, the Steipe building, and a replica of the city's medieval stone cross (the original is in the City Museum). This lively square is surrounded by cafes, eateries, and shops, and hosts many festivals and events, and the Christmas market.

Trier's Rhineland Museum (Rheinisches Landesmuseum) is one of Germany's top archaeological museums. Spanning 200,000 years, the collection of preserved artifacts tells the story of the region’s history. You can see a Roman wine ship, intricate mosaics, and the Trier gold hoard—one of the world’s largest preserved collections of Roman gold.

A lavish symbol of Trier’s history, politics, and architectural evolution, the Electoral Palace (Kurfurstliches Palais) has played many roles over the years. Once part of Constantine the Great’s Ancient Imperial Palace and later the residence of Trier’s 16th to 18th-century Electors and Archbishops, it’s renowned for its striking pink rococo façade and the Baroque-style Palace Gardens.

With its rich tapestry of Romanesque, medieval, and baroque architectural styles, the Cathedral of St. Peter is one of Trier’s most memorable landmarks. But it’s not only an architectural wonder. Germany’s oldest church—the original walls were constructed as early as AD 340—is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a renowned collection of sacred art.

The mighty "Black Gate" standing watch over Trier has symbolized Germany's oldest city since the Romans built it in AD 170. Now a UNESCO World Heritage-listed monument, the imposing sandstone Porta Nigra serves as the main gateway to the Old Town and affords magnificent city views from its 4-story towers.

Trier's Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) is one of Germany’s oldest Gothic churches, and it shares UNESCO World Heritage status with the adjoining Trier Cathedral. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it dates back to the 13th century and boasts magnificent French Gothic interiors, with a distinctive floor plan resembling a 12-petaled rose.