Market Sqaure
Markt

The Markt or marketplace in Aachen has been the political, economic and social centre of the city for centuries. Already in the Middle Ages, the square served as a trading place, where merchants and craftsmen from all over the region met. It was strategically located between the royal palace area and the city’s growing residential areas, and thus became a natural gathering point. During the Middle Ages, the square also became the scene of ceremonies, markets, festivals and proclamations.

Architecturally, the Markt is a fascinating example of a square that has adapted to different eras over time. It is dominated by the mighty town hall to the south, but along the other sides there are a number of townhouses that largely reflect the Baroque and Classicist architectural styles of the 17th and 18th centuries. Many houses were destroyed during World War II, but have since been rebuilt with respect for their historic facades. The houses are often characterized by narrow floor plans, steep slate roofs and decorative gables, reflecting the city’s prosperity during the trading period.

Aachen City Hall
Rathaus Aachen

The Rathaus Aachen is one of the most striking Gothic town halls in Germany. It was built in the 1330s on the foundations of the Carolingian royal hall Aula Regia, which was part of Charlemagne’s palace complex. The decision to build the town hall here underlined the city’s desire to continue to link its medieval identity to the Carolingian heyday. The town hall was used as the seat of the city council, but also as a banquet hall for the coronation banquets of the Holy Roman Emperors who were crowned in the cathedral.

Architecturally, the town hall building is a unique example of Gothic combined with remnants of Carolingian architecture. The ground plan is rectangular with strong towers at the corners, which give the building a castle-like character. The facade facing the Marktplatz is adorned with a series of statues of German kings and emperors, and the large Krönungsaal in particular is impressive inside. It was in this coronation hall that the lavish coronation banquets took place. The high vaults of the room and the later added frescoes by Alfred Rethel from the 19th century make it an architectural and art historical highlight.

The town hall has undergone many changes and restorations, especially after the destruction during World War II. Today it houses both the city council and a number of cultural events, and the Krönungsaal is used for exhibitions and award ceremonies; for example, the prestigious Charlemagne Prize, which is awarded to people who have contributed to European unity. The building therefore stands not only as a reminder of Aachen’s medieval heyday, but also as a symbol of the city’s contemporary role in European cultural history.

Aachen Cathedral
Aachener Dom

Aachen Cathedral is not only the city’s most famous building, but also one of the most important monuments in European architectural history. The large church was founded by Charlemagne around 795 as a palace church in his residence city of Aachen and consecrated in 805. Charlemagne wanted to create a building that could compete with the great churches in Rome and Ravenna and at the same time symbolize his ambition to revive the Roman Empire in the north. The cathedral therefore became not only a religious center, but also a political symbol of the power and ambitions of the Carolingian Empire. After Charlemagne’s death in 814, he was buried in the church, and since then it has had the status of a European memorial.

In the following centuries, Aachen Cathedral also became the coronation church for the Holy Roman Emperors. From 936, when Otto the Great was crowned, until 1531, 31 coronation ceremonies took place here. This made the cathedral one of the most important centers of medieval European politics. The original Carolingian building, the so-called Oktogon, formed the core of these ceremonies. The emperor sat on a marble throne, which was placed on a platform in the west gallery, from which he had a view of both the congregation and the altar. This throne, known as the Karlsthron, still exists today and is one of the most iconic pieces of furniture in the church.

Architecturally, Aachen Cathedral is a unique blend of Carolingian, Ottonian, Gothic and Baroque styles, making it a true architectural mix. The original central building, the octagon, was inspired by San Vitale in Ravenna and built in the Roman-Byzantine style. The building was constructed of massive stone blocks and adorned with marble columns that Charlemagne imported from Rome and Ravenna, emphasizing the connection to antiquity. The octagonal hall was covered by an impressive dome, originally decorated with mosaics, symbolizing the sky. Already in the Middle Ages, the space was described as an architectural marvel that surpassed anything to be found north of the Alps.

During the Middle Ages, the cathedral was expanded several times to accommodate the large streams of pilgrims who made the pilgrimage to Aachen. One of the most striking additions was the Gothic choir building, also known as the Gothic glass house, which was built between 1355 and 1414. The tall, bright choir building with its 25-meter-high windows is one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture in Germany. The windows, which cover a total of over 1,000 square meters, create a very special light effect that contrasts with the darker and more massive interior of the octagon. This interaction between the Carolingian central building and the Gothic cathedral architecture makes Aachener Dom unique in the world.

The cathedral also contains some of the most important relics of the Middle Ages, which made Aachen one of Europe’s most visited pilgrimage destinations in the Middle Ages. The four great relics, said to be of the Virgin Mary, the Child Jesus, and John the Baptist, were kept in a richly decorated reliquary, the Marienschrein, created in the early 13th century. Every seven years, these relics were displayed during the great Aachen Pilgrimage, which attracted hundreds of thousands of people from all over Europe. This tradition continues today, emphasizing the cathedral’s religious significance.

Inside, the cathedral is a treasure trove of art and architecture. The Byzantine mosaics in the dome, which were recreated in the 19th century after the original models, depict Christ enthroned among the 24 elders from the Book of Revelation. The floor is covered with patterned marble inlays, while the walls are adorned with columns and archways, creating a majestic space. In the choir stands the famous Karlsschrein, a gold reliquary into which the bones of Charlemagne were transferred in 1215 by Emperor Frederick II. This reliquary, together with the Marienschrein, is among the most important examples of medieval goldsmithing in Europe.

The cathedral’s architecture was further enriched in the Baroque period, when chapels and new decorations were added. Later restorations in the 19th and 20th centuries sought to preserve and recreate both the Carolingian and Gothic expressions, which means that today you see a church that bears the mark of almost 1,200 years of architectural history. Unfortunately, the cathedral was severely damaged during World War II, but thanks to extensive restoration work, both the most important parts of the building and the irreplaceable art treasures survived.

Today, Aachen Cathedral is not just a local church, but one of Europe’s most important cultural heritage sites. In 1978, it was the first building in Germany to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, a recognition of its unique significance. The church represents an architectural and historical bridge between antiquity, the Middle Ages and modern times and still functions as a vibrant centre of history, liturgy and culture. Every year, it is visited by more than a million people, who come to experience its architecture, its unique atmosphere and all the events that have taken place here.

Cathedral Treasury
Domschatzkammer

The Cathedral Treasury of Aachen is kept in the Cathedral Treasury next to the Aachen Cathedral. It is one of the richest church treasuries in Europe. Many of the objects date from the time of Charlemagne and later donations from German kings and emperors, which was a consequence of the cathedral’s status as an imperial coronation church. The treasure contains both liturgical objects, reliquaries and textiles used on special occasions.

The collection is particularly famous for its Carolingian works of art, including the Lothar Cross from the 10th century and the famous Karlsskrin/Karlsschrein, which was made in the 13th century to store the emperor’s relics. Other highlights include the Byzantine Olifant Horn, the richly decorated Proserpina sarcophagus in which Charles was buried, and a wealth of liturgical books and textiles that testify to centuries of religious splendor.

Architecturally, the Domschatzkammer is a modern museum building, which was adapted in the 20th century to ensure the correct storage and presentation of the objects.

Katschhof

Katschhof is one of the most characteristic squares in Aachen, and it is located between the city’s cathedral and town hall. Already in the Middle Ages, the square served as an important connection between the religious and political center of the city. The name is believed to originate from medieval German and may be derived from Katz, which referred to catapults or other siege machinery that could have been set up here in the past. The square was also used for large public gatherings and public ceremonies.

Architecturally, Katschhof is surrounded by two of Aachen’s most iconic buildings: the Gothic town hall building on the north side and the Carolingian and Gothic structures of the cathedral to the south. This location makes the square a place where you can experience centuries of architectural history in direct contrast up close. The square itself has undergone various designs, but today it appears as an open, cobbled area that is often used for modern art installations and temporary exhibitions.

Centre Charlemagne

The Centre Charlemagne is Aachen’s city history museum. It was inaugurated in 2014 as part of the newly renovated city center around Katschhof. The museum is dedicated to conveying the city’s long and complex history, with a special focus on Charlemagne and his importance for the development of Europe. Aachen was Charlemagne’s residence and the political center of his empire, which makes the museum’s location in the middle of the city’s historic core particularly appropriate.

Architecturally, the Centre Charlemagne is a modern museum building that, with its glass and steel design, clearly distinguishes itself from the surrounding medieval buildings. This contrast was deliberately chosen to emphasize the connection between past and present. Inside, the museum is organized around four major themes: the time of Charlemagne, medieval Aachen, early modern Aachen, and the city’s role in the 20th century. Highlights include models of the Carolingian palace church, original medieval artifacts, and exhibits about Aachen’s destruction during and reconstruction after World War II.

Elise Garden
Elisengarten

Elisengarten is a public park in the center of Aachen, located by the Elisenbrunnen, one of the city’s most famous spa buildings. The park was created in the 19th century as part of the city’s growing role as a spa town, where citizens and visitors could enjoy recreational areas in green surroundings. The name refers to the Prussian princess Elise von Preußen, who had strong connections to Aachen.

The park is architecturally designed as a classic city park with paths, lawns and tree plantings, but the special thing about Elisengarten is the archaeological excavations that are integrated into the park. During renovations, remains from Roman times were found, including the foundations of thermal baths, which testify to Aachen’s importance as a spa and bathing resort already in antiquity. These ruins have been preserved and made visible through glass roofs.

Bridge Gate
Ponttor

Ponttor is one of the best-preserved medieval city gates in Aachen. It was built in the 14th century as part of the second city wall around the city. The gate served as an important northern entrance to Aachen and was strategically located on the road to Maastricht and the lowlands. The name Ponttor comes from the Latin pons, meaning bridge, and refers to its function in connection with the road over the river.

Architecturally, Ponttor is an impressive example of Gothic defensive construction. It consists of a massive gatehouse flanked by two round towers, which were equipped with loopholes and bricked defensive passages. The thick stone wall and heavy iron gates made Ponttor an almost impregnable part of the city fortifications. The building was also used by the city guards and as a garrison.

March Gate
Marschiertor

The Marschiertor, along with Ponttor, is one of the most significant remaining city gates in Aachen. It was built in the mid-13th century and served as the southern entrance to the city. The name literally means marching gate and probably refers to the fact that armies and soldiers marched through this gate when they went on campaign.

Architecturally, the Marschiertor is an impressive defensive structure, and the building is one of the largest preserved city gates in Europe from this period. It stands with strong walls, an inner courtyard and several levels of defense. The massive stone architecture is flanked by high towers and bears witness to Aachen’s strategic and economic importance in the Middle Ages. After the Middle Ages, the gate gradually lost its military function and was used, among other things, as a warehouse.

Aachen Theatre
Theater Aachen

The Theater Aachen was originally inaugurated in 1825 and is one of the oldest still functioning city theaters in Germany. It was built according to designs by the architect Johann Peter Cremer, who worked in the classicist style and was inspired by contemporary theater buildings in Paris and Berlin. The theater has been the center of music, opera and drama in the city since then.

Architecturally, the building is a distinguished example of classicism. The facade is characterized by a large columned front with a triangular gable, which gives the building a temple-like character. Inside, the theater was equipped with a traditional horseshoe-shaped hall with a balcony and boxes, which ensured good acoustics and a fine environment for the bourgeois audience. After extensive damage during World War II, the theater was rebuilt in the 1950s, deliberately retaining the classicist facade, while the interior was modernized to meet the demands of the time.

St. Michael’s Church
Kirche St. Michael

Kirche St. Michael is one of Aachen’s important Baroque churches. It was built in the early 17th century by the Jesuit order. It was consecrated in 1628 and served as a monastery church until the order’s dissolution in 1773. The church has since had various functions, but is now once again an active Catholic parish church.

Architecturally, St. Michael represents the early Baroque in the Rhineland. The facade was inspired by the Roman Church of the Gesù, which was the model for many Jesuit churches in Europe. It is characterized by a symmetrical structure, where the central section is emphasized by pilasters and a large pediment. Inside, the church has a simple but harmonious nave with vaulted ceilings, stucco decorations and side chapels, which were added in later centuries.

City Garden
Stadtgarten

Aachen’s Stadtgarten is one of the city’s oldest public parks. It was created in the 19th century, when green spaces became an important part of modern city life. It is centrally located in the city and serves as a green open space for both citizens and visitors.

Architecturally, the Stadtgarten was laid out in a landscape style with winding paths, lawns and decorative plantings, which provide a natural and relaxed atmosphere. In the middle of the park is the Kurpark-Terrassen, a building that was originally used as a concert and party hall. The park also contains several memorials, including statues of local cultural figures, which bear witness to the city’s intellectual and artistic history.

New Kurhaus
Neues Kurhaus

The Neues Kurhaus was built at the beginning of the 20th century as a new spa and entertainment center for Aachen, which at that time had great importance as an international spa town. The building was completed in 1916 and replaced an older spa house that could no longer meet the demands of the time. It was used as a concert and party building and as a setting for the casino, attracting both the bourgeoisie and the aristocracy from all over Europe.

Architecturally, the Neues Kurhaus is an impressive example of neoclassicism. The facade is characterized by a wide columned front, a monumental staircase and large windows, and inside the spa house contains large banquet halls, concert halls and elegant salons, originally decorated in Art Nouveau style and later with neoclassical details. The building was badly damaged during World War II, but rebuilt and modernized in the post-war period.