Porta Nigra, Trier

The Porta Nigra is a magnificent 2nd-century Roman city gate in Trier, Germany. It was given its name (which means "black gate") in the Middle Ages because of its weathered color.

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History of the Porta Nigra

The oldest defensive structure in Germany, the Porta Nigra was erected in about 180 AD when the Roman city was surrounded by walls. Trier was a Roman colony from the 1st century AD and then a great trading centre beginning in the second century. It became one of the imperial capitals under the Tetrarchy at the end of the 3rd century, and became known as the "second Rome."

The Porta Nigra is the only one of four Roman gates that still stands in Trier; the others were gradually pillaged for their stone and iron. The Porta Nigra survived because it was used as the humble residence of a hermit monk named Simeon for seven years (1028-35). After his death he was buried in the gate and the structure was transformed into the two-story Church of St. Simeon (lay church on the bottom, monastery church on top).

Napoleon destroyed the church in 1803, but the 12th-century Romanesque apse survived and the entire structure has been restored to its medieval appearance.

What to See at the Porta Nigra

1,700 years after its construction, the Porta Nigra is still impressive at 118 feet long, 70.5 feet wide and 90 feet high. The entire structure is made without mortar - the sandstone blocks are connected only by iron rods. The stone blocks weigh as much as six metric tons each.

Two gateways lead into a small inner courtyard, where unfortunate intruders would be trapped and covered in tar. Above are two tiers of defense galleries with large open windows. It is flanked by two towers, a four-story western tower and the three-story unfinished eastern tower.

Inside, an empty apse at the east end and carvings of church fathers like Irenaeus, Ambrose and Jerome recall the Porta Nigra's use as a church.

Next door to the Porta Nigra is the Simeonstift, the 11th-century monastery built to go along with St. Simeon's Church in the gate. The cloisters can be toured for free. The main monastery building houses the Stiftsmuseum, which has some moderately interesting displays on the history of the city, but few religious artifacts.

Festivals and Events

The feast day of St. Simeon is celebrated in Trier on June 1.

Quick Facts on the Porta Nigra

Site Information
Names:Porta Nigra
Categories:gateways; World Heritage Sites
Dates:c. 180
Status: museum
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:49.759655° N, 6.643885° E
Address:Porta-Nigra-Platz
Trier, Germany
D-54292
Email:[email protected]
Hours:Daily, Apr-Sep: 9-6; Nov-Feb: 9-4; Mar & Oct: 9-5
Last admission one hour before closing
Lodging:View hotels near the Porta Nigra
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

  1. Personal visits (December 26, 2005; January 2, 2008).
  2. DK Eyewitness Travel Guide to Germany (2003), 326.
  3. Porta Nigra - CityGuide Trier

More Information

© Holly Hayes
© Holly Hayes
© Holly Hayes
© Holly Hayes
© Holly Hayes
© Holly Hayes
© Holly Hayes
© Holly Hayes

Map of the Porta Nigra, Trier

Below is a location map and aerial view of the Porta Nigra. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.