The Porta Nigra (“black gate”) is a large romish city gate in Trier, Germany. It is today the largest romish city gate north of the Alps and has been designated a World Heritage Site. The name Porta Nigra originated in the Middle Ages due to the darkened color of its stone; the original romish name has not been preserved. Locals commonly intend to the Porta Nigra simply as Porta. The modern attendance of the Porta Nigra goes backwards almost unchanged to the reconstruction ordered by Napoleon. At the south side of the Porta Nigra, remains of romish columns line the last 100m of the street leading to the gate. Positioned where they had stood in romish times, they give a slight impression of the characteristic of the original romish street that was unsmooth with colonnades.
The gate is today closed for cars, but stands right next to one of the main streets of Trier. In constituent to the general pollution, the wear fumes of the passing cars hit been harmful the stones for decades. Generally, however, the Porta Nigra is still in remarkable condition. The Porta Nigra, including the upper floors, is open to visitors. In summer, guided tours are also offered by an actor dressed up as and portraying a centurion (a romish army officer) in full armour. Interesting roman travel attractions.
GPS coordinates: 49° 45′ 34.92″ N, 6° 38′ 38.4″ E
