Description of the attraction
The Porta Nigra gate, which means "Black Gate", is rightfully considered the hallmark of Trier and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Built in 180 during the heyday of the Roman Empire, they are the oldest surviving defensive structure in Germany. Trier of that time, also called "Northern Rome", was surrounded by a high fortress wall with four entrance gates. The only ones that have survived to this day are striking in their power and grandeur. They are 36 meters wide, 30 meters high and 21.5 meters deep.
Contrary to its name, Porta Nigra is built of white stone that has darkened with time. 7200 boulders of a unique structure, each weighing up to 6 tons, are connected without cement: carefully fitted, they were connected with iron brackets and fixed with liquid tin. During the Middle Ages, for the sake of valuable metal, these staples were partially taken out through special holes. But, in spite of numerous wars and robberies, the building has completely survived.
Legend connects such a preservation of the Black Gate with the hermit monk Simeon, who lived there from 1028 to 1035 and was buried, according to his will, under the gate. After his death, a church was added to Porta Nigra, called the Church of St. Simeon. By order of Napoleon in 1803, the church was almost completely destroyed, and the gate acquired its original appearance. Today, Porta Nigra houses a museum.
