MGF Treffen 2001

Tuesday 11 September 2001

A day to either 'do your own thing' or go on the organised drive-around. Which ever you decide the region is fascinating and I am sure you will enjoy it.

We drive from Cochem along the Moselle River to the ancient Roman City of Trier Stopping along the way to sample the delights of the region which of course amongst other things is famous for its White Wines.

Trier, on the Moselle, was founded about 15 B.C. by the Emperor Augustus, who named it Augustus Treverorum. Three centuries later it became the imperial seat and the capital of the western regions of the Roman Empire; from the beginning of the fourth century it was the seat of a bishopric, and played an important part in the early history of Christianity. In the fifth century it was conquered by the Franks, and after the division of the empire in 870 it became part of the eastern Franconian empire. During the late Middle Ages the Archbishop of Trier was a German Elector; the city was the capital of the ecclesiastical principality, which survived until the end of the 18th century. At the beginning of the nineteenth century Trier was annexed by Prussia, and in 1946 it became part of the federal province of Rheinland-Pfalz (the Rhineland Palatinate). Today Trier (pop. 89,000) is the local capital, and many local authorities and administrative bodies have their headquarters in the city, It is the seat of the bishopric and of the episcopal authorities of the Trier diocese. The economic and communications centre of the district, it has machine-building works, precision instrument factories, leather and textile works, an important curtain-weaving industry, breweries, and a cigarette, cigar and tobacco industry. There are numerous wine and champagne cellars in the town (it is the centre of the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer wine-growing districts). Every year, in spring and autumn, wine auctions lasting several days are held in Trier. There are more Roman architectural monuments in Trier than in any other European city north of the Alps; many important examples of Western architecture from all periods are also to be seen in the town.

In Trier we stop for a couple of hours to explore the Porta Negra and the old city and to have lunch. We then drive back to Cochem along the excellent and mostly speed limit free Autobahn.

Todays Mileage = Aproximately 150.

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