Overview:

: The Aachen Cathedral Treasury is located in the historic city center of Aachen, Germany. It is home to some of Europe's most significant works of religious art, including the renowned Shrine of Charlemagne, the Aachen Gospels, and the Chapel of Relics. The treasury contains over 10,000 pieces, including gold and silverware, clothing, gemstones, and manuscripts, all dating back to the early Middle Ages. Its artifacts highlight the importance of Aachen as a significant religious center in the Middle Ages. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Germany
Prominent Features:

1. Chapel of Charlemagne – the Chapel of Charlemagne is the most impressive piece of the Cathedral Treasury. It is a chapel that was built in 800 AD, in honour of the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne and is the oldest surviving part of the cathedral. It is decorated with figurines and sculptures and is a unique testament to the great French emperor. 2. Gothic Hall – the Gothic Hall is one of the most impressive rooms of the Cathedral Treasury and still retains its medieval character. The Gothic Hall displays works organised in dazzling patterns of silver, gold and precious stones. Here one can find masterpieces of Romanesque and Gothic art, such as carved ivory and enamels, religious sculptures and manuscripts. 3. Silver Madonna – a 16th-century Madonna in pure silver and precious stones, sitting on a throne and holding Jesus in her arms is the most revered statue of the Aachen Cathedral Treasury. It features beautiful details and is considered to be a masterpiece of sculpture. 4. Reliquary Bust of Charlemagne – this 8th-century bust is a unique representation of Charlemagne. Made of gold with inlays of precious stones, the bust is a remarkable masterpiece of Early Medieval craftsmanship. 5. Crown of the Holy Roman Empire – the crown is one of the most precious symbols of the Aachen Cathedral Treasury. The crown was used by Roman emperors from 962 to 1806 and is made of a combination of gold, precious stones and pearls. 6. Great Tapestry of Aachen – the Great Tapestry of Aachen is a unique tapestry that was presented to Charlemagne in 813 and was part of the Aachen Cathedral Treasury from that time. The stunning artwork is composed of numerous scenes from the Bible and shows, among others, Christ’s ascension, the Dance of Salome and the Lamentation over the body of Christ. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Germany.

History:

Aachen Cathedral was built in the Middle Ages, and it was the first example of a large-scale Gothic-style structure in the north of the Alps. The cathedral has remained largely unchanged since the 12th century. The interior of the cathedral is well known for its vast, ornate treasury, which has been the site of many important historic events over the centuries. The oldest pieces in Aachen Cathedral Treasury date back to the time of Charlemagne and his successors in the 9th century. This includes a golden reliquary of the remains of the Three Magis, as well as illuminated manuscripts and reliquaries from the court of Charlemagne. Other treasures from the Middle Ages include the Gospels of Henry II, a 12th century oil painting upon which the coronation of the Emperor Henry II is depicted, as well as several medieval reliquaries containing the remains of various saints. The cathedral treasury also contains many examples of Renaissance and Baroque art. Notable works include the 16th century painting “The Martyrdom of Saint Paulinus” by Hans von Aachen, the sumptuous golden cloak of Charlemagne, as well as various gold and silver articles from the late Middle Ages. The treasury was opened permanently to the public in 1857, and today it remains one of the most important historic collections in Europe. Visit one of the famous monuments of Germany with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Aachen Cathedral Treasury is the oldest treasury museum in Europe and the largest and oldest collection of medieval art in Germany. 2. It houses religious artifacts from the Carolingian period up until St. Nicholas’ death at the end of the 11th century, some of them designed by the emperor himself. 3. It contains the oldest surviving shrine of the three Magi and is home to the gold and silver crown of Charlemagne. 4. It also holds Charlemagne’s imperial costume, capes of his coronation and other royal garments associated with the famous emperor. 5. The treasury also contains the gold relief Crucifixion of Charlemagne, a unique object believed to have been commissioned by Charlemagne himself. 6. The burial remains of Charlemagne are also located in the treasury, making it a must-see destination for those interested in religious and royal history. 7. Aachen Cathedral Treasury is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1978. One of the historical monuments of Germany, it tells the story of a bygone era