The Roman basilica in Trier, Germany, originally built as an audience hall for Emperor Constantine, was the Aula Palatina.
Constructed around AD 300–310, the Aula Palatina formed part of the imperial palace complex at Augusta Treverorum, modern Trier. The city was an important administrative center of the late Roman Empire, and the hall provided a monumental setting where the emperor could receive petitioners, conduct official business, and display imperial authority.
Despite its name, this Roman basilica was not originally a Christian church. Its enormous brick interior measures about 67 meters long, 26 meters wide, and 33 meters high, with a large apse at one end. Unlike many earlier basilicas, it has no interior colonnades, creating a vast, open audience space. A hypocaust heating system warmed the floor and walls.
A common mix-up is the name Basilica of Constantine, which is another established name for the same building. In the Middle Ages it became a bishop’s residence, and since 1856 it has served as a Protestant church. It is now part of Trier’s UNESCO World Heritage ensemble.