Overview:

is a Gothic cathedral in Aachen, historically known as the "Imperial Cathedral", that is the oldest cathedral in Northern Europe. Throughout its thousand year history, it has served as the coronation church of 30 German kings and 12 queens, and is the burial site for Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, the first Holy Roman Emperor. It has been the venue of many cultural and religious events, and was a center of the Carolingian Renaissance. The Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Germany
Prominent Features:

is a notable landmark and is one of the three byzantine domes in Western architecture. It is the oldest remaining gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, having been constructed between 796 and 814 AD, and is considered to be an important cultural and religious landmark. Its architectural style is a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic elements, and its construction was led by Karl der Grosse, who was the founder of the Holy Roman Empire. The cathedral is admired for its beautiful stained-glass windows, its intricate sculptures, and its tall spires. Furthermore, it also serves as a burial place for Charlemagne and seven other emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Germany.

History:

Aachen Cathedral, located in the city of Aachen in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a Catholic church built as the current cathedral of the Archbishopric of Aachen in the 8th century. It greatly expanded and remodeled during the Middle Ages and is today one of the most important monumental buildings in Germany. The cathedral’s construction began in 794 A.D. under the reign of Charlemagne, as he sought to consolidate his power in the former Roman Empire. The cathedral was thought to be the most important in the West at the time, and Charlemagne’s body was eventually buried there, alongside those of his successors. In the 12th century, the then-archbishop Frederick Barbarossa began renovations to expand the cathedral. Barbarossa added new accommodations for clergy and pilgrims, as well as the famous Pfalz, a palace-like edifice built as a residence for the Archbishop. During the 15th century, the cathedral was given a facelift, with gothic features being added such as the western towers. Soon afterwards, Aachen gained the title of Imperial Cathedral – the church of the Holy Roman Empire. Aachen Cathedral was heavily damaged in the Second World War after being targeted by Allied bombings. In 1945 twin bell towers, part of the cathedral’s main façade, were destroyed. After the war the cathedral was restored, although most of the damage has remained. Today, Aachen Cathedral is regarded as one of the best architectural accomplishments of the early and high Middle Ages in Europe. The church is one of the most visited destinations in Germany, and is renowned for being a major pilgrimage site, with countless visitors from various countries each year. Visit one of the famous monuments of Germany with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Aachen Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in northern Europe, and has been the coronation church for 30 German kings, including Charlemagne in 800 AD. 2. One of the oldest parts of the cathedral is the Karlskapelle, located at the end of the nave. This chapel dates back to the 9th century and is decorated with exceptionally preserved 11th century frescoes. 3. The Palatine Chapel, located at the east end of the cathedral, was built in the 11th century as a royal chapel for Charlemagne and his successors. Here you’ll find the famous bronze doors, the oldest art work in the cathedral, from the 8th century. 4. Many of the decorations are inlaid into the stone walls, such as the great rosettes in the transept, created using coloured glass and marbles from all over Europe. 5. Stained glass windows from the 11th century can still be seen in the cathedral, with some of the glass being more than a thousand years old. 6. There is a museum located in the cathedral which includes a pulpit from 1155, and a sarcophagus of the bishop of Aachen from 814. 7. The last king to be crowned in Aachen Cathedral was Wilhelm II in 1861. One of the historical monuments of Germany, it tells the story of a bygone era