Sightseeing

Aachen has to offer a lot of beautiful and interesting tourist features for you. If you have limited time to spend, you should at least visit some of the most remarkable places in the city. We have compiled a selection of four must-see sites for you.

Cathedral of Aachen

The Cathedral of Aachen is one of the most famous examples of occidental architecture. It is the coronation church of more than 30 German kings, burial site of Charlemagne, major pilgrimage church and cathedral church of the Aachen diocese since 1930. In 1978 it was the first German building to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. A guided tour is therefore an essential part of any visit to Aachen and a "must" for anyone who loves historic buildings and churches.

Cathedral Treasury

Tryptich in the cathedral treasury Tryptich in the cathedral treasury
Foto: Lokilech,   Wikimedia Commons

The Cathedral Treasury in Aachen is regarded as the most important ecclesiastical treasury north of the Alps. It houses sacral art treasures from the late Antique, Carolingian, Ottonian and Staufian epoch, among them some unique exhibits like the "Cross of Lothair", the "Bust of Charlemagne" and the "Persephone sarcophagus". These and all the other exhibits document the importance of the Cathedral of Aachen as a place of the medieval treasury. Individuals are invited to explore the treasury on their own with a small guide, available at the cash-desk.

Town Hall

City hall of Aachen City hall of Aachen
Foto: Joooo,  Wikimedia Commons

In the early 14th century, the townspeople of Aachen took over the ruined palace of Charlemagne. On its foundation they built the gothic town hall, which was converted into a baroque building in the 17th and 18th centuries. The town hall was seriously damaged in the two fires of 1656 and 1883. 50 statues of German rulers adorn the north facade; 31 of the kings represented were crowned in Aachen. Inside the town hall visitors can take a look at the Coronation hall with its famous Rethel frescoes dating from the 19th century and copies of the Imperial Crown Jewels as well as the gothic and baroque furniture of the building.

Elisenbrunnen

Elisenbrunnen Elisenbrunnen
Foto: Speedymaus,  Wikimedia Commons

The Elisa Fountain (Elisenbrunnen) is the symbol of the spa town of Aachen. It was constructed in 1827 according to plans of the architects Cremer and Schinkel. At the time, the Elisa Fountain served as a drinking hall and a promenading hall and still today it is possible to try the healing thermal waters of Aachen from this fountain. Marble plaques remind us of the names of the famous visitors that came to the Aachen spa over the centuries, amongst them Händel and Casanova.

Text taken from Aachen Tourist Service

 

Further impressions

Theatre Theatre
Foto: Martin Möller,  Wikimedia Commons

Belvedere on the Lousberg Belvedere on the Lousberg
Foto: MBO163,  Wikimedia Commons

 

Cathedral of Aachen Cathedral of Aachen
Foto: MBO163,  Wikimedia Commons

Ceiling in the Cathedral of Aachen Ceiling in the Cathedral of Aachen
Foto: Lokilech,  Wikimedia Commons

 

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