Aachen Cathedral Travel Guide: Germany’s Oldest Cathedral & Charlemagne’s Legacy

Welcome, traveler! Today, I’ll guide you through one of Germany’s most awe-inspiring landmarks: Aachen Cathedral. Located near the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands, this architectural marvel is not only Germany’s oldest cathedral, but also a place where history, religion, and royalty intertwine.
 

Built by Charlemagne in the late 8th century and later expanded into a richly adorned Gothic structure, Aachen Cathedral is a site of enormous historical and spiritual importance. It’s where kings were crowned, saints are venerated, and some of Europe’s finest medieval artistry shines.

Let’s step inside this sacred space and uncover its secrets.

🗺️ Table of Contents

History of Aachen Cathedral

Architecture and Design

Main Attractions Inside the Cathedral

Charlemagne’s Legacy and Burial Site

Religious Significance and Pilgrimage

Treasures of the Aachen Cathedral Treasury

Visitor Information and Tips

Events and Pilgrimage Years

Nearby Attractions and Day Trips

How to Get to Aachen Cathedral

Best Time to Visit

Final Travel Tips

📖 1. History of Aachen Cathedral

Aachen Cathedral, also known as the Imperial Cathedral (Kaiserdom), was commissioned by Emperor Charlemagne around 790 AD. He chose Aachen (then known as Aquisgranum) as the capital of his Frankish Empire.

The centerpiece of the cathedral is the Palatine Chapel, an octagonal masterpiece designed by Odo of Metz — making it one of the earliest examples of Carolingian architecture. The chapel was consecrated in 805 AD and became the spiritual heart of the Holy Roman Empire.

From 936 to 1531, 30 German kings were crowned here. In 1978, the cathedral became the first German site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exceptional architectural and cultural value.

🏛️ 2. Architecture and Design

The structure is a fusion of architectural styles, reflecting centuries of additions:

✨ Carolingian Core (8th–9th century)

The Palatine Chapel forms the heart of the cathedral, inspired by Byzantine churches like San Vitale in Ravenna.

Built with massive pillars, thick walls, and a central dome.

🏰 Gothic Additions (14th–16th century)

The Choir Hall or Gothic Choir was added in the 14th century to house the growing number of relics and pilgrims.

Beautiful flying buttresses, pointed arches, and stained-glass windows define this section.

🕊️ Baroque and Later Additions

Decorative elements, chapels, and towers added in later centuries.

The blend of Carolingian, Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque makes Aachen Cathedral a truly unique architectural masterpiece.

✨ 3. Main Attractions Inside the Cathedral

As you step into the cathedral, you’ll immediately notice its rich interiors, filled with symbolism, gold mosaics, and history.

🏛️ Octagonal Dome & Mosaic Ceiling

The mosaic-covered dome of the Palatine Chapel glistens with gold, blue, and green, showing Christ in Majesty surrounded by 24 elders of the Apocalypse.

It’s a breathtaking example of Byzantine-influenced art in northern Europe.

🪑 Charlemagne’s Throne

Located in the upper gallery, this plain marble throne was used during royal coronations.

It is believed to have been made from stone brought from Jerusalem, and Charlemagne himself was buried nearby.

🕯️ Barbarossa Chandelier

A massive 12th-century bronze chandelier, donated by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.

It symbolizes the Heavenly Jerusalem and hangs under the dome.

🪦 Shrine of Charlemagne

A golden shrine where the emperor’s bones were transferred in the 13th century.

Decorated with gems and figures of apostles and saints.

🛐 Shrine of the Virgin Mary

Houses four of Aachen’s most sacred relics (shown only during pilgrimage years).

👑 4. Charlemagne’s Legacy and Burial Site

Charlemagne (Charles the Great) was one of medieval Europe’s most powerful rulers. He was crowned Emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III in 800 AD.

He died in 814 and was buried in his beloved Palatine Chapel. Although his tomb has been disturbed over the centuries, relics associated with him — including bones and his throne — remain here.

You can still see the throne and visit the golden reliquary shrine that contains his remains.

✝️ 5. Religious Significance and Pilgrimage

Aachen is one of Europe’s oldest pilgrimage sites. Since the Middle Ages, it has been revered for housing four major relics:

St. Mary’s cloak

Jesus’ swaddling clothes

John the Baptist’s decapitation cloth

Christ’s loincloth from the crucifixion

These relics are displayed only every seven years during the Heiligtumsfahrt (Pilgrimage of the Relics), attracting tens of thousands of visitors.

💎 6. Treasures of the Aachen Cathedral Treasury

Next to the cathedral is the Aachen Cathedral Treasury (Domschatzkammer) — one of the most important collections of medieval religious art in Europe.

Must-see treasures include:

Bust of Charlemagne: A reliquary in his likeness made of gold and silver.

Lothar Cross: A jewel-studded ceremonial cross from the 10th century.

Ivory and gold book covers, Gothic chalices, and sacred liturgical items.

Admission to the treasury requires a separate ticket and is highly recommended for art and history lovers.

🧭 7. Visitor Information and Tips

Opening Hours: Typically 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; shorter hours on Sundays and holidays.

Entry Fee: Free to enter the cathedral; a small fee for guided tours and treasury access.

Guided Tours: Available in English and German, highly recommended to understand the art and relics.

Dress Modestly: As it’s a working place of worship, modest clothing is appreciated.

Accessibility: The main cathedral is wheelchair accessible; treasury has limited access.

Note: Photography without flash is usually allowed inside.

🎉 8. Events and Pilgrimage Years

Every seven years, Aachen holds the Heiligtumsfahrt, where relics are displayed for public veneration. The next one is scheduled for 2028.

Other key events include:

Christmas and Easter Masses

Concerts and organ performances

Charlemagne Commemoration Days in January and June

🌆 9. Nearby Attractions and Day Trips

Aachen offers much more beyond the cathedral:

🌟 Top Attractions:

Elisenbrunnen: Neoclassical pavilion with hot thermal springs.

Couven Museum: Elegant 18th-century home showcasing Aachen’s bourgeois history.

Town Hall (Rathaus): Built on Charlemagne’s palace foundation, with imperial halls and murals.

Carolus Thermen: Modern thermal spa inspired by ancient Roman baths.

🏞️ Easy Day Trips:

Monschau: A fairy-tale German village nestled in the Eifel hills.

Maastricht (Netherlands) and Liège (Belgium): Both under 1 hour away.

Eifel National Park: Ideal for hiking and scenic drives.

🚆 10. How to Get to Aachen Cathedral

By Train:

Aachen Hbf (Main Station) is just a 15-minute walk or short bus ride from the cathedral.

Direct trains from Cologne, Düsseldorf, Maastricht, Brussels, and beyond.

By Car:

Easily accessible via the A4 and A44 motorways.

Several parking garages available in the city center.

By Air:

Closest airports: Cologne Bonn Airport (1 hr), Düsseldorf, or Brussels Airport.

📅 11. Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October): Mild weather, fewer crowds.

December: The Aachen Christmas Market is magical and set just outside the cathedral.

Heiligtumsfahrt years: Perfect if you want to witness the relics (next in 2028).

✨ 12. Final Travel Tips

Combine your visit with a stay in the Aachen Altstadt, full of cafes, boutiques, and charm.

Don’t miss the guided tour — the history and symbolism are best appreciated with context.

Arrive early or late in the day for quieter exploration.

Bring a telephoto camera lens if you want to capture mosaic or shrine details from a distance.

🙌 Final Thoughts

Aachen Cathedral is more than just a church — it’s a living monument to European history, from the age of Charlemagne to the present. With its glittering mosaics, sacred relics, and layers of architectural genius, it offers something for every traveler: history, faith, and beauty.

Whether you're a history buff, an architecture lover, or a pilgrim seeking spiritual connection, Aachen Cathedral is a must-visit landmark in Germany.