Aachen's Imperial Cathedral | ilivetotravel's travel log

Aachen is a town of a quarter million located in a corner of western Germany that abuts Belgium and The Netherlands (in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, to be more precise). History lovers and architecture fans will probably know of this German town. Its importance over centuries past was huge.

Architecture of Aachen, Germany — Buildings near the Cathedral

Why is Aachen important?

The spot has been inhabited for sure since Roman times. But, probably, Aachen’s importance gained territory when Charlemagne became a fan. Charlemagne should sound familiar from world history class though you can be forgiven if you don’t remember the why… He unified parts of Europe a few centuries after Rome fell and became what was called the first Holy Roman Emperor (maybe so-called because he was crowned in the precursor to today’s St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome?). Many came after him though later it stopped being a hereditary role – it was elected by important members of nobility of certain houses of Central and Western Europe (if I remember correctly).

Model of Aachen's Cathedral — Aachen’s famous Cathedral started with the structure in the center (the Octagon)

Building Aachen’s Cathedral

Charlemagne had spent time in Aachen years before he became Holy Roman Emperor and had a chapel (and palace) built there. This chapel (which only was declared a Cathedral in 1930) became where these emperors were crowned for centuries (from the 10th to the 16th). The Aachen Cathedral is where Charlemagne was buried (and claimed to be to this day).

Plan of the Cathedral of Aachen in a plaque outside the Cathedral — Plaque showing the layout of the Cathedral

The golden box in the altar (known as Karlsschrein) is supposedly where his remains were placed after being removed from another location within the church,

Karlsschrein or coffin with Charlemagne's remains — The *Karlsschrein* where Charlemagne’s remains are (may be)

Altar of the Aachen Cathedral (Germany) — Zooming out, the *Karlsschrein* in the back behind the altar in the choir

Another angle showing more of the choir and stained glass windows

The Cathedral structure began to be built in the ninth century but was added to or expanded in later centuries. The Cathedral’s façade betrays its construction over several centuries (architectural preferences). Its cupola and steeple were also added later.

The lower tower has a different style than the upper

View of the Cathedral’s position: a very tight plaza in front of it

Its interior was also enhanced by adding the marbled walls and the mosaics, for example.

Marbled walls of the Aachen Cathedral in Germany — The marble is outstanding!

The columns and arches supporting the cupola remind me of the Mezquita de Cordoba (Spain; the Cordoba Mosque; see photo below). Another addition was the 4-meter diameter chandelier donated by Barbarossa who was emperor in the 12th century.

Ceiling / Mosaics of the Aachen Cathedral and Barbarossa's chandelier — So much to admire in this pic! At bottom, Barbarossa’s chandelier

The mosaics in the ceiling and on the high part of the main level columns are pure beauty.

Ceiling of the Aachen Cathedral in Germany with its golden mosaics — Mosaics in the cupola

Mosaics of the Aachen Cathedral in Germany

Christmas market in Aachen

My mother and I made a short stop in Aachen on our way from Brussels, Belgium to Cologne, Germany to embark on our Rhine River cruise. After visiting the Cathedral’s interior, we walked around its exterior where we ran into our first Christmas market experience – and our first cup of glühwein (of many throughout our cruise!).

Exterior of Aachen's Cathedral (Aachen Dom) in Germany — Beautiful exterior

Christmas market in Aachen, Germany — The Christmas markets

Glühwein is mulled wine: diluted wine (red or wine) mixed with spices and heated up to keep Christmas market visitors warm in the cold day or night of French or German towns in December! Sometimes they add a shot of rum or another hard liquor to strengthen it but I just enjoyed the diluted wine version as I was just looking for warmth in my hands and tummy!

Gluhwein in Aachen, Germany — My Mom enjoyed her 1st gluhwein, all bundled up (you are not in FLA anymore!)

The Cathedral remains one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe. It suffered great damage during World War II but the main structure remained. We are fortunate today to have this jewel still present to link us to history, faith and architecture over the centuries.