Porta Nigra
Trier, Germany
A Roman city gate of dark sandstone blocks, standing at the edge of Trier's old town and open to climb inside. Walk up through the upper floors for views, then continue down the pedestrian street to the market square.
The Porta Nigra in Trier was built after AD 170 from sandstone and was one of four gates of the Roman city. It was never finished; the rough outer surfaces show that the stonework was never completed. After 1028 the Greek monk Simeon lived in the gate. After his death it was converted into a double church, which saved it from demolition. In 1804 Napoleon had the medieval additions removed. Since 1986 it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Roman monuments in Trier.
You can visit the gate from inside and climb to the upper floors. A restoration to repair damage caused by air pollution is expected to last until 2028 (as of October 2026), so there may be restrictions. About an hour is enough for a visit. From here the pedestrian zone leads to the Hauptmarkt. Leave your vehicle outside the old town.
- Nearest town
- Trier, Germany
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 49.7596, 6.6441
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Germany: No motorway tolls for cars. No general motorway speed limit (130 km/h advised) and no tolls for cars.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Campingplatz TrevirisCampsite2 km from Porta NigraTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Reisemobilpark TrevirisMotorhome stopover2 km from Porta Nigra · 120 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Campingplatz IgelCampsite9 km from Porta NigraCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Campingplatz Alter Bahnhof MetzdorfCampsite10 km from Porta NigraTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- MoselbeachMotorhome stopover13 km from Porta Nigra · 60 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Wohnmobilstellplatz ZellerhofMotorhome stopover13 km from Porta Nigra · 43 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Germany · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Porta Nigra?
Porta Nigra is in Trier, Germany, at GPS 49.7596, 6.6441. It is about 17 km from Echternach.
Can you camp near Porta Nigra?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Campingplatz Treviris, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 66 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Porta Nigra?
Places worth a stop nearby: Basilica of Saint Willibrord (17 km), Schiessentümpel (23 km), Beaufort Castle (27 km) and Saarschleife viewpoint (29 km).
When is the best time to visit Porta Nigra?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)