Aachen Cathedral – Aachen : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Aachen Cathedral, or the Cathedral of St. Mary of Aachen is a Church of the Roman Catholic Church located in the city of Aachen, Germany. The first structure of the cathedral was built in the 8th century, making it one of the oldest cathedrals in Western Europe. The cathedral is renowned for its breathtaking interiors and rich history, as well as its significance as the coronation site of Charlemagne, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the interesting facts, information, and travel guide for the Aachen Cathedral, giving you everything you need to know before visiting this majestic historical site.

Interesting Facts About Aachen Cathedral – Aachen

• Cathedral was originally built as the Palatine Chapel in 800 AD by Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor.
• Aachen Cathedral was the coronation site for 30 German kings and 12 queens between 936 and 1531. -The cathedral is made up of 4 parts: the palace chapel, the Towers, the choir, and the nave.
• The mosaic in the choir of Aachen Cathedral is the oldest mosaic in Germany and features golden and blue tiles. – The Palace Chapel displays the Reliquary of the Holy Robe, a gold-covered robe that is believed to have been worn by Jesus.
• In 1978, Aachen Cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Inside the Cathedral is a large collection of religious artifacts, including artwork depicting the life of Jesus and the history of Christianity.
• The Octagon in the Palace Chapel holds the famous bust of Charlemagne. – The cathedral has been through many renovations and restorations over the centuries, the most recent of which took place in 2012.

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History & Information About Aachen Cathedral – Aachen

Cathedral or the Imperial Cathedral, also known as the “Dom” is a church built in 786 as the main church of Charlemagne’s Palatine Chapel. It is the oldest cathedral in northern Europe and was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978.

The original Palatine Chapel was destroyed in a fire in 881 AD and the current building was created between 1000 and 1350. The interior of the building reflects the religious beliefs of the Carolingian Renaissance and contains some of the most impressive religious artwork from the Middle Ages. It has a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, a church dedicated to St. Nicholas, a crypt chapel, and a ceiling which is adorned with stars.

The exterior of the cathedral is composed of red sandstone, green tuff, and blue slate. The structure is surrounded by a wall which was built in 1597, and the main entrance is through the Triangular Gate. The exterior of the building is covered in statues, and the courtyard contains a baroque fountain which was donated by Emperor Frederick III in 1426.

The cathedral is the traditional site for coronations of German Kings and Queens since it is the only building in Europe that still holds the symbolic remnants from Charlemagne, the division of the Roman Empire, and the Holy Roman Empire. The cathedral was extensively damaged during World War II and was renovated in the 1950s.

Travel Guide For Visiting Aachen Cathedral – Aachen

Cathedral

1. Before You Visit:
Aachen Cathedral (or Aachener Dom) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany and is located in the town of Aachen, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The cathedral is one of the best examples of classic Carolingian architecture; it was originally constructed in the 8th century by the Emperor Charlemagne. The original cathedral as first envisioned by Charlemagne no longer stands, however; it was replaced in the 12th century by a much larger Romanesque building. This is now considered the oldest surviving cathedral in all of Germany.

2. Getting There:
Aachen Cathedral is located in the city of Aachen, which is approximately an hour drive from Cologne and approximately two hours from Dusseldorf. Once you arrive in the city of Aachen, you can take public transportation or taxi/Uber to the cathedral.

3. What to See:
Aachen Cathedral is full of history and beauty that makes it an ideal tourist destination. The cathedral has four floors and can be toured at your own pace. It also houses the resting place of Charlemagne, an altar of gold and detailed artwork and decorations from its various constructions. Visitors can access the Cathedral’s treasury and chapel, as well as experience a variety of masses, including Mass in German and Latin. Additionally, the gallery should not be missed!

4. When to Visit:
The Cathedral is open to visitors on Mondays through Saturdays from 08:00 to 18:00 and on Sundays from 12:00 to 18:00. During mass times, the cathedral is not open to visitors. Check the Cathedral website for announcements of special mass times.

5. Where to Eat:
The cathedral is surrounded by plenty of great restaurants to enjoy a meal. A few recommended spots include Restaurant in der Speckingenküche, Stadtcafé Eicks and Fruity Aachen.

6. Other Tips:
• Many of the Cathedral’s features are best seen with a guided tour.

• Make sure to check the Aachen Cathedral website for admission fees and special events.

• Be mindful of the strict dress code when visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aachen Cathedral – Aachen

Cathedral

Q: What is Aachen Cathedral?

A: Aachen Cathedral is the oldest and largest surviving Gothic building in Europe. It was built in the 8th century and is located in the western German city of Aachen. It was the preferred coronation site for a number of German emperors including Charlemagne.

Q: Who built Aachen Cathedral?

A: The original building was constructed in the 8th century by Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor. Subsequent renovations and additions to the cathedral were made throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Q: What is the significance of Aachen Cathedral?

A: Aachen Cathedral is significant as the preferred coronation site for a number of Holy Roman Emperors. It is also important in the history of German art and architecture, representing the finest example of Imperial Romanesque and Gothic style.

Q: What are the features of Aachen Cathedral?

A: Aachen Cathedral features several architectural and decorative elements including a cloister, chapels, a treasury, a chapter house, a gallery, and a monumental sculpture of Charlemagne. It also contains many examples of fine stained glass and other important artwork.