Germany’s Oldest City

In what is now the USA, we have (ostensibly) my hometown of St. Augustine, Florida, which was founded in the 1500s by the Spanish and has remained settled without interruption since those days. For the USA, “almost 500 years” is an astonishing run, given the comparative youth of our American culture and society, as well as the early centrality of that socio-political culture in what are now the New England states.

Ne’er shall I diss St. Auggie, but as anyone with two brain cells to rub together knows, our continent cannot begin to compete with Europe in terms of the antiquity and grandeur of its civilization. The glory of Germany is certainly one of the Continent’s longstanding jewels. Case and point is the fascinating city of Trier in the Southwestern portion of the country. Founded by the Romans well over 2,000 years ago, Trier remains a stunning showcase of genuinely ancient monuments and memories of an empire that still thrills the imagination. An astonishingly well-preserved 4th Century basilica built by Constantine himself still stands in this glorious town, along with the ruins of a Roman bathhouse, monasteries, medieval/Gothic churches, and a fleet of spectacular museums.

Yet Trier is hardly one of the first names to leap to the lips of European travelers. That needs to be rectified! The same applies to most of the rest of Germany. As someone who has traveled there, I can say that there is nothing quite so splendid and remarkable, particularly when one enters the realm of Lower Saxony and beyond. The sights are resplendent and the people are some of the friendliest and most admirable on the planet. Moreover, Germany’s Christmas Markets are legendary, and the one in Trier is reputed to be among the greatest in a vast and stellar company. I aim to be experiencing more Germany very soon, so shall keep all who are interested abreast of matters.

Meanwhile, have a look at this slideshow of the German Christmas market in Trier—it is emblematic of the sheer elegance and mesmerizing spirit that Germans bring to the beloved holiday each year.

As for me, work continues on my magnum opus and an extraordinary amount of effort is paying off in ways that are—dare I say?—taking the shape of near-COMPLETION. How does someone like me GET himself in the thick of such endeavors?!?

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One response to “Germany’s Oldest City”

Emps

April 30, 2024 at 2:48 pm

Well, Trier being the oldest city, is disputed to be honest. There are other who claim it, though Trier is certainly the one with most oldest sights. Worms, and Augsburg hold the claim as well, but I personally favour Trier. (Admittedly Augsburg is well worth a vist).

As for our beloved Christmas markets – you know I favour Lübeck, Lüneburg and Bremen. Yes I am a Northern Light, no doubt about it hahaha. Christmas markets are a MUST have been there during December.

Lower Saxony – what can I say. Born and raised there. And after some traveling around the globe, returning to my roots.

Most beloved place though, for the soul, the small islands in the North Sea. Not much culture to discover there as on the main island, but the peace and quiet, along with the sea – pure balm for the soul.

Most people think Oktoberfest, when they think of Germany – but that is not the true heart of it. As always you find that off the beaten tracks.

But lets keep it asecret, eh?

Jonathan Kieran