Hauptmarkt (Main Market Square), Trier

The Hauptmarkt in Trier is the main market square of Germany's oldest city and one of the most photogenic squares in the Moselle region. Gabled houses from the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque eras frame a market cross from the 10th century and an ornate Renaissance fountain. Located between the Porta Nigra and Trier Cathedral, it is the natural starting point for exploring the old town on foot.

A thousand years of market history

In 958, Archbishop Henry I erected a market cross here, marking the archbishop's authority and the town's right to hold markets. The original is now kept in the Simeonstift city museum; the cross on the square is a copy that has stood in its current spot since 1979. The column below it also served as a pillory from around 1200.

The Fountain of St. Peter (Petrusbrunnen) was created by sculptor Hans Ruprecht Hoffmann in 1594–95. Peter, the patron saint of Trier, stands on top, while figures representing the four cardinal virtues surround the six-sided basin.

What to see on the square

• The Steipe: a late-Gothic townhouse from around 1430, with battlements and an arcade, rebuilt after World War II.
• The Red House (Rotes Haus): the striking neighbor of the Steipe.
• St. Gangolf: the old burghers' church, reached only through a Baroque gateway on the square.
• The Jews' Gate (Judenpforte): a passage leading into the Judengasse, the former Jewish quarter.

About two-thirds of the historic buildings around the square have survived, giving it a rich mix of styles.

Visiting tips

The square is public, free, and open around the clock. Allow 20 to 30 minutes to look around, or longer if you stop at one of the outdoor cafés. In late November and December, the Trier Christmas Market fills the Hauptmarkt and the cathedral square, and in summer the old town festival takes place in late June. The Tourist Information office next to the Porta Nigra sells city tours, many of which start or stop here.

How to get there

Trier lies in western Germany near the Luxembourg border. From Trier Hauptbahnhof, walk about 15 minutes via the Porta Nigra and the pedestrian Simeonstrasse. Regional trains link Trier with Koblenz, Cologne, and Saarbrücken, and the Deutschlandticket is valid on them. Luxembourg City is the closest major city, while Frankfurt is around three hours away by train. The old town is pedestrianized, so drivers should use one of the downtown parking garages.

Is it worth visiting?

Absolutely. The Hauptmarkt is free, compact, and packed with history, and it connects directly to Trier's UNESCO-listed Roman and medieval sights. The cobblestones are level but can be bumpy for wheelchairs and strollers.

Nearby

• Trier Cathedral: a few steps east of the square.
• Porta Nigra: the Roman city gate at the end of Simeonstrasse.
• Basilica of Constantine: Constantine's throne hall, about a ten-minute walk south.