14/09/2023
⁉️ Today for you we have two site from UNESCO heritage site - Porta Nigra and Aula Palatina (Basilica of Constantine).
1️⃣ Porta Nigra - Trier’s most famous landmark was built around 180AD from white sandstone blocks, held together not with mortar but with iron clamps and lead seals. Over the centuries the stone became blackened, hence the name Porta Nigra, which was given during the Middle Ages. It served as one of the main gateways into the Roman fortress and for almost 2,000 years visitors have passed through it. It is considered the world’s best-preserved city gate from the Classical period. It stands 97 ft high and 118 ft wide and owes its survival to the fact that during the 11th century it was partly converted into the church of St. Simeon and served as such up to the early 19th century, before Napoleon himself decided to restore the gateway to its former glory.
2️⃣ Aula Palatina (Basilica of Constantine)
Built in 310AD. Although relatively plain inside, it was once richly decorated but was virtually destroyed following the town’s sacking by Germanic tribes. During the Middle Ages it was used as the castle of the archbishops and electoral princes before being integrated into the Electoral Palace itself during the 17th century. Prussian King Wilhelm IV then ordered its reconstruction and despite suffering damage during World War II, it has been completely restored.
Enjoy! 💙