Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Square · Trier, Renânia-Palatinado
Hauptmarkt
Main square of Trier, with the market cross of 958, the St. Peter fountain of 1595, the Steipe and façades from various periods. From here you can walk to the Porta Nigra, the cathedral and the Church of St. Gangolf.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Hauptmarkt
The Hauptmarkt has been Trier's central square since the Middle Ages, a few minutes from the Porta Nigra and the cathedral. Around it, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and 19th-century façades show the city's different phases.
The market cross was erected in 958 by Archbishop Heinrich I as a symbol of his authority over the market, and stands on a Roman column. The original piece is in the city museum, and a copy occupies the site. The Petrusbrunnen, the St. Peter fountain of 1595 by Hans Ruprecht Hoffmann, features the patron saint at the top and figures of the four cardinal virtues.
The Steipe, a house from around 1430 with Gothic arcades and knight figures, was destroyed in the Second World War and rebuilt; today it hosts the city council in representational functions. Next to it, the Rotes Haus bears an inscription about the legend that Trier was founded by Trebeta, long before Rome. The Church of St. Gangolf is hidden behind the houses, with access through a Baroque gate.
Via another passage, the Judenpforte, you reach the Judengasse, the alley of the former Jewish quarter. From March to early November there is usually a wine stall on the square with regional producers, and during Advent the square hosts the Christmas market.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour, plus time for a coffee or a meal.
Best time
In the morning, with the market, or in the late afternoon. The Christmas market usually runs from the end of November until shortly before Christmas.
How to get there
It's a 5-minute walk from the Porta Nigra via Simeonstraße and about 15 minutes from Trier Hbf.
Tip
Watch your belongings when the square is crowded, at the Christmas market and on weekends. Look for the carved monkeys on the St. Peter fountain.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Hauptmarkt
What to see at the Hauptmarkt in Trier?
The market cross from 958, the São Pedro fountain from 1595, the Steipe, the Rotes Haus, and the entrance to the church of São Gangolfo and to the Judengasse.
When is Trier's Christmas market?
It usually runs from late November until close to Christmas, on the Hauptmarkt and on the cathedral square.
Is the Hauptmarkt near the Porta Nigra?
Yes, a 5-minute walk along Simeonstraße, a pedestrian street.