Roman Traces in Germany

Roman Black Gate in Trier

When the history of cities date back over 2,000 years, it’s pretty extraordinary to still see ruins intermingling with modern life. In Trier, the Porta Nigra {Black Gate}, built in 186 AD, gets its name from the darkened stone. Interestingly, the gate guarding the opposite entrance to the city was named Porta Alba {White Gate}, sort of like an ancient take on good and evil. In Mainz, the support pillars of a Roman aqueduct that was built in 69 AD project from an open field. And in Cologne, a Roman archway that was built in 50 AD stands near the grand cathedral.

Roman Aqueduct in Mainz, photo from Wikimedia Commons

Roman Archway in Cologne