Hauptmarkt (Main Market Square), Trier (must see)

Main Market Square is the Trier's central square and one of its largest squares. Main Market Square has been a marketplace since the 10th century. Trier's main shopping streets meet here, and the square features many historic and landmark buildings.

Archbishop Heinrich I installed a cross in Main Market Square in 958. This ancient cross is one of Europe's oldest market crosses. It stands on an ancient Roman pillar, which served as a pillory. Visitors can see four holes where chains would have been attached to punish and humiliate law-breaking citizens publicly.

The cross features a Latin inscription, an image of the Lamb of God, and a victory banner. The sides of the cross have a sundial and a depiction of Saint Peter. The market cross is a replica, and the original cross is on display at the Simeonstift Municipal Museum.

The Petrusbrunnen fountain was created in 1594 by sculptor Hans Ruprecht Hoffman. A statue of Saint Peter stands at the top of the fountain, and representations of virtues stand around the fountain's base. The statues represent Fortitude, Temperance, Justice, and Wisdom. At the beginning of the Old Town Festival, residents add decorative lighting and a flower bouquet to the Saint Peter statue to ensure good holiday weather.

Main Market Square features historic houses from Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods, including the Steipe and Red Houses.

Visitors can access the Church of Saint Gangolf through the square. In addition, the square is an entrance point to the city's former Jewish quarter.

Main Market Square hosts several events and festivals throughout the year. For example, visitors might catch the Street Festival, the Old Town Festival, the Christmas Market, a New Year's Run, or the Corpus Christi Procession.