Traditional Christmas markets are currently enchanting children and adults alike all over Europe. Among them, the one in Trier (or Treves, as Germany’s oldest city is also known) is one of the most popular, despite the fact that Augusta Treverorum (the Latin name of the city) is not the best-known travel destination in Germany. In fact, there are still many people, even here, in Germany, who have never heard of its treasures.
Think about the Seamless robe of Jesus, kept in a reliquary housed in the specially-built baroque Chapel of the Holy Robe inside the Trierer Dom. The Holy Robe is said to be worn by Christ during the Crucifixion, and it is one of Trier’s greatest treasures. Being so close to this relic brings you closer to God – even if you cannot see it, as the Cathedral keeps it under lock and key, and brings it out only during random pilgrimages. The next will be 13th April – 13th May 2012.
The enchanting Trier Christmas Market takes place from November 22 to December 22, 2010 on the medieval Main Market and in front of the imposing Cathedral that hosts this relic. It’s a feast of joy and laughter, much like any other Christmas Market on the continent, with local handcrafts on display, traditional gingerbread, hand made Christmas decorations, traditional Christmas feast foods and more.
Festively decorated wooden booths invite the random traveler to buy original wooden toys, candles, glassware, and other souvenirs, but the crowds gather around the food stalls to sample the popular bratwurst sausages, potato pancakes, fried mushrooms, hot chestnuts and, of course, mulled wine.
Trier Christmas Market 2010 - Grödner Holzschnitzereien aus Südtirol
We were there, just the other night, and we prepared a short merry video for you. You’ll see the Trierer Dom in the background, and some of the 95 stalls that are still open till December 22, 2010, Monday through Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., Thursday through Saturday: 10:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m., and Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.