The former throne hall of the Roman emperor and his representatives in Trier is the Aula Palatina, or Palatinate Hall. It is an imposing building, constructed in 310AD of large bricks, standing 30 metres tall and 67 metres long. The building has since served many purposes, and has even been reduced to rubble on two occasions – one after the town’s sacking, and once in World War 2. In the 12th century it served as accommodation for the archbishop of Trier. In the 17th century it was incorporated into the new palace. It also served as a barracks in the Napoleonic and Prussian eras. It has served as a Protestant church since 1856.
