Trier: Basilica

Basilica of Trier.

Augusta Treverorum: Roman city, modern Trier.

The Aula Palatina or Basilica was added to the imperial palace by Constantine I the Great, who took over Trier as his residence from his father Constantius I Chlorus. The tiles were made by two men, Capio and Adiutex, who also produced the tiles for the slightly older Roman fort at Köln-Alteburg.

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Basilica of Trier, interior.

Although it is now used as a church, the interior of the basilica has not changed very much, and the building in Trier is simply the best-preserved ancient basilica in the world. The many windows - part of the painted decoration survives - add to the feeling of spaciousness. The roof is not authentic, but resembles the ancient original.

In this hall, the emperor received and entertained his guests. Here, Martin of Tours had a celebrated meeting with the emperor Magnus Maximus in 384 (Sulpicius Severus, Life of Saint Martin, 20).

Basilica of Trier, ceiling.

Originally, the basilica was part of a larger palace complex. Several remains have been identified: a cryptoporticus near the entrance (to the south of the basilica), and parts of ancient mansions -from the first to the fourth century- in the northwest, with some nice black-and-white mosaics. Directly north of the basilica, on the Willy-Brandt-Platz, the remains of a heavy, pre-Constantine wall have been found; it is not clear what kind of building this may have been. Finally, to the east of the basilica, the court of the current Elector's Palace, appears to be over an ancient court, covered with fourth-century mosaics.

A satellite photo can be seen here.