The Porta Nigra Gate, meaning "Black Gate", is rightly recognised as the hallmark of Trier and is on the World Heritage List. The Porta Nigra Gate, which translates as "Black Gate", is considered to be the hallmark of Trier and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Built in 180 AD at the height of the Roman Empire. it is the oldest surviving defence structure in Germany. Trier at that time, also called "Northern Rome", was surrounded by a high fortress wall with four entrances. with four entrance gates. The only ones still standing today are astonishing in their power and grandeur. It's 36 metres wide, 30 metres high metres and a depth of 21.5 metres.
Contrary to their name, the Porta Nigra are built of white stone, darkened by time. The 7,200 stone blocks of the unique structure, each weighing up to 6 tonnes, are joined together without cement: carefully fitted together with iron brackets and fastened with liquid tin. During the Middle Ages, for the sake of the precious metal. staples were partially removed through special holes. But despite numerous wars and looting, the structure survived.
Legend attributes this preservation of the Black Gate to the hermit monk Simeon, who lived there from 1028 to 1035 and is buried, according to his will, under the gate. After his death, a church was added to the Porta Nigra, called the Church of St Simeon. the Church of St Simeon. By order of Napoleon in 1803, the church was nearly destroyed almost completely and the gate was restored to its original appearance. Today, the Porta Nigra is home to a museum.
