Trier, Germany: Aula Palatina

It's an old lesson, but sometimes it needs to be repeated. Make sure you have a good photo of an historic place before you leave the area. Because quite likely, you ain't coming back ... ever.

Such is the case with Aula Palantina, also known as Konstantin-Basilika. Since we never made it in the old building, this photo is posted courtesy of Trip Advisor - a place that any traveler should have bookmarked.

This was built around 300 A.D. during the reign of Constantine the Great. It's the biggest open hall that is still around from the Roman days, and thus has been placed under UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The place used to be part of a larger complex, and the area has gone through a variety of changes over the years. The facility burned during an air raid in World War II. When it was repaired and restored, the wall coverings inside weren't replaced. Therefore the brick walls can be seen on both sides.

It's important to see the whole place.