The Roman city of Trier
Mayors reveal their insider tips in the deutschland.de series “My city”. Part 5: Mayor Klaus Jensen talks about Trier.
Mr. Jensen, what is special about your city?
As Germany’s oldest city, Trier offers many positive examples of a history dating back more than 2,000 years alongside present-day modernity. Trier is also a large city set amongst forests and vineyards. One outstanding highlight is that in a single day you can cycle from Trier to discover four European countries - Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium and France.
What do you see when you look out of your office window?
My window overlooks the tall green tops of old plane trees, the Humboldt Gymnasium where students can take both the German and French graduation exams, and Trier Theatre.
Where in your city do you most like to spend your time?
Since I have very little private time as mayor, my favourite place is naturally Trier’s Schammatdorf where I have lived for the past 29 years. The Schammatdorf is an integrated housing project with people from all generations, people with and without handicaps, poor and rich – in other words, a mirror of our society. Apart from that, I most enjoy sitting at the Old Corn Market in the centre of our city. It offers a wonderful atmosphere where not only the people of Trier like to meet but also many of our international guests.
Which of your city’s personalities do you value most?
Our city has many great historical personalities, including Karl Marx. But above all I admire Friedrich Spee who opposed the torture and burning of witches in the early 17th century. He cared for victims of the plague and was also the composer of beautiful church hymns and poetry. In his work Cautio criminalis (Precautions for Prosecutors) he demanded important legal principles, such as the presumption of innocence, almost 400 years ago.
What would you like to show tourists?
The Roman Basilica of Constantine. This colossal brick building was constructed without any pillar supports. It was Emperor Constantine’s former Aula Palatina, and it offers visitors a unique spatial experience. It’s difficult to choose between the seven UNESCO world heritage sites and other magnificent buildings and squares. But the Basilica is my real favourite, because of the indescribable impression it creates.
Where can visitors best get to know the people in your city?
In the pubs of the traditional residential districts.
And where do you most like to spend your vacations?
In the clear fresh air and seclusion of North Jutland, the tip of Denmark. Beautiful sandy beaches, wonderful woods and moorlands, and the impressive views of the sea enable me to relax, to find profound peace and many meditative moments. Although this area has few inhabitants, and I’m the only Jensen in Trier, there are 850,000 Jensens living in Denmark as a whole.
