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Aachen Cathedral

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Historical site
—°10
Aachen Cathedral (Germany)

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Aachen Cathedral is one of Europe's most significant architectural monuments and was the first German site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1978. Its core is the Octagon of Charlemagne's Palatine Chapel, built around 800 AD after the model of Byzantine sacred buildings like San Vitale in Ravenna. For over 600 years, from 936 to 1531, the cathedral served as the coronation site for 30 German kings, underscoring its central political role in the Holy Roman Empire. Within the Gothic choir hall, added in the 14th century, the remains of Charlemagne rest in a magnificent golden shrine. The Cathedral Treasury is regarded as one of the most important ecclesiastical collections north of the Alps, housing treasures such as the famous Cross of Lothair and the bust of Charlemagne. To this day, the cathedral is a major pilgrimage destination, particularly during the Aachen Pilgrimage held every seven years, when sacred relics are displayed to the public.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C2361014171919151163
Rain mm665956426165737853586571

📋 Practical info

📍
Address
Domhof 1, 52062 Aachen, Germany
🕒
Hours
Mon-Sat 11:00-19:00, Sun 12:30-19:00
💶
Entry
Free (cathedral), treasury 5 €
🌐
Website
aachenerdom.de
🚌
Transit
Bus stop Elisenbrunnen, approx. 5 min walk.
🅿️
Parking
Parking garage at the cathedral, Jesuitenstraße, approx. 2.20 €/hour
♿
Accessibility
Ground floor is accessible, upper floors only via guided tour (stairs).
📷
Photos
Photo permit available on-site for 3 €.
⭐
Best time
Weekdays directly at opening at 11 AM.
🎧
Audio guide
German, English, French

History & landmarks

middle-ages

800

Geography

Coordinates
50.77530, 6.08360

Facts

  • UNESCO World Heritage site since 1978
  • Coronation site of 30 German kings
  • Octagon completed around 800 AD
  • Main nave height is 31 meters
  • Choir features 1,000 m² of stained glass
  • Shrine of Charlemagne completed in 1215

Explore nearby

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Aachen Cathedral (10)

Nikolaus- und Michaelskapelle

Chapel in Aachen Cathedral, dedicated to Saints Nicholas and Michael.

Karls- und Hubertuskapelle

Chapel in Aachen Cathedral, named after Charlemagne and Saint Hubert.

Centre Charlemagne🏛 museum

Museum in Aachen, Germany, covering the city's history from Roman times to today.

🕒 Tu-Su,PH 10:00-18:00♿💶

Domschatzkammer🏛 museum

Museum in Germany, housing the treasury of Aachen Cathedral.

🕒 Mo 10:00-14:00; Mo 10:00-18:00 "Adventszeit/Advent Season"; ♿💶

Aachen Cathedral

Roman-Catholic cathedral in Aachen, Germany, famous for its Palatine Chapel.

Karlsgarten

Garden in Aachen, planted with species from Charlemagne's era.

Karlsschrein

Gilded shrine in Aachen Cathedral, containing the bones of Charlemagne.

Kunst am Markt Retroviews

Gallery at the market square in Aachen, featuring rotating art exhibitions.

Matthiaskapelle

Chapel in Aachen Cathedral, dedicated to the apostle Matthew.

Aachen Town Hall

Historic town hall in Aachen, Germany, built in the 14th century.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Charlemagne's throne located?
The famous imperial throne is located on the upper floor of the octagon in Aachen Cathedral.
Is Aachen Cathedral a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Yes, in 1978 it was the first German cultural monument to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
What is the Cathedral Treasury?
It is considered one of the most significant church treasuries in Europe, housing the Charlemagne shrine and the Cross of Lothair.
Why does the cathedral have an octagonal shape?
The octagon of the Palatine Chapel symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth and was the center of Charlemagne's palace.
What is the legend of the wolf's door?
Legend says the devil helped with the construction and wanted to steal a soul, but only got the soul of a wolf.
Aachen Cathedral: where is it located?
Aachen Cathedral is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Aachen Cathedral: what is there to see?
Highlights include Nikolaus- und Michaelskapelle, Karls- und Hubertuskapelle, Centre Charlemagne.
Aachen Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Aachen Cathedral: why is it worth visiting?
Aachen Cathedral is one of Europe's most significant architectural monuments and was the first German site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1978.
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