The Basilica of Constantine was built in Trier in 310 AD. As you know, Trier was the largest Roman city North of the Alps, and under the Emperor Constantine, it was even called "Northern Rome". That is why it was decided to build such a large-scale construction here.
Today, the word "Basilica" most often refers to the early Christian Church. In fact, this is true, but in Ancient Rome, buildings that were called "Basilicas" were not used for Church services, but for civil gatherings. They were used by various authorities, courts were held, and they were used as a place for trade.
The Basilica of Constantine was also used as a Throne Hall. It was important for the Emperor to have a building in the Northern lands of his Empire that reflected the power of Rome. In those years, the Basilica was decorated with marble, and the walls were 2.5 meters thick.
Entering the Basilica of Constantine, you will be amazed by the size of the interior. Its length reaches 67 meters, width-27 meters, height-33 meters. However, the Basilica has only one nave. The building has absolutely no decorations inside and out, which makes its geometric beauty even more impressive. The roof of the building does not have vaulted ceilings. It is flat, like all other surfaces.
Naturally, the original Basilica of Constantine has not been preserved to this day. Only fragments of the Foundation and some of the walls remain. During the invasion of the Franks and Normans, the Basilica was destroyed, as well as other buildings in Trier. Only ruins remained, and in 1614 the southern and eastern walls were built into the Palace of the Elector of the Rhineland.
In 1844, it was decided to restore the Basilica of Constantine as it existed under the Emperor Constantine. Part of the Palace was demolished to clear place of the original location of the Basilica.
The southern side of the Basilica is built into the Elector`s Palace, and the Eastern side faces the courtyard of the Palace. The Western and Northern sides are open for viewing. In the mid-19th century, the Basilica of Constantine was transferred to the Protestant Evangelical Church, and now services are held there.
