Aachen Cathedral stands in the city of Aachen, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and counts among the oldest cathedrals in Europe, so a visit suits anyone interested in medieval architecture and the long story of the church in Central Europe.
What to see
- Carolingian architecture: The building is known for its Carolingian style, which is the main draw for many visitors.
- The octagonal chapel: Its eight-sided form is the heart of the cathedral and the first thing many people come to see.
- Precious relics: The cathedral holds relics that have long made it a place of pilgrimage.
- The Charlemagne throne: This seat is one of the best-known objects in the building.
Why it matters
For more than 600 years, the cathedral served as the coronation church of Holy Roman Emperors. Few churches in Europe can claim a link of that length with a single ceremonial role, and walking through the building gives a clear sense of that history.
Aachen itself is a city worth exploring alongside the cathedral, with its historic centre and its place in the wider region of North Rhine-Westphalia. A visit to the cathedral can be the starting point for a day of walking through the old town.