The castle is filled with Renaissance and Baroque furniture that was in use by the family that lived in the castle following its renovation in 1868.
One particular suit of armor caught our eye. Armor was individually built and sized to fit each person. One set stood significantly taller than all of the others and the guide told us that, according to measurements, the suit was built for a man who was 7'2" tall.
It was interesting to sit on the sundeck of the Amaprima and watch the activities of the people along the river. For the people along the river, life seemed relaxed and peaceful.
As we sailed along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, we couldn't help but notice ubiquitous terraced vineyards along the banks of the rivers and up the surrounding hillsides. Most of these vineyards produce Riesling grapes.
One area along the Moselle River is said to be the world's steepest vineyard and its vines are growing on a hillside with a 65 degree incline.
We also sailed past a multitude of small towns with beautiful half-timbered houses. Many of the towns had old castle ruins on the hillsides above them. There were also lots of campsites set up so people could vacation along the river.
There were many locks along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers to help raise and lower the boat as we moved along stretches of water that were at different levels.
We were amazed at how long and narrow the lock chambers were and how tight a fit it was when the boat was inside the lock.
There were quite a few interesting birds along the river and in the surrounding woods. Some of my favorites were the Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) who had built a nest in the trees near the shore, the Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca) with their unique brown patches around their eyes and in the middle of their chest, the Pomeranian Goose (Anser anser), the majestic Mute Swan (Cygnus olor), and the Black Headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) still in his winter plumage without the black head.
Trier, which is believed to be the oldest city in Germany, still retains many ruins from buildings that were established when the city was part of the Holy Roman Empire.
Market Square has tall colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Nearby was the Romanesque Trier Cathedral which is home to the Holy Tunic, or the robe Jesus wore when he died.
Right next to the Cathedral is the Gothic style Church of Our Lady which was built in the 13th century on an ancient Roman foundation.
We also saw the huge (more than 200 feet long and more than 100 feet tall) Basilica of Constantine which served as a throne room for Constantine the Great.
Many of the buildings in the market square had intricate carvings or statues affixed to their facade. The building with the soldiers and knights on the front is called the Steipe and it served as a Town Hall. The knights and soldiers were purposely placed on the front of the building, which is facing the Cathedral, in order to annoy the bishop.
Trier is known for its well preserved Roman ruins. There are portions of city walls throughout the city, including the large Porta Negra gate, and ruins of a large Roman bath.
The Porta Negra is the only one of the four original Roman city gates in Trier that is still standing. The city gate is made from sandstone blocks that were held in place by iron clamps. The Trier Cathedral, the Church of Our Lady, and the Porta Negra are all classified as Roman Monuments and are designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
