GERMANY | Aachen, Germany Travel Guide
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
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Aachen Cathedral
Münster platz,
Aachen
North Rhine Westphalia
Germany
0241-477-090
Type: Religious Site
Addmission Fee: Free
Hours: Daily 11am-7pm; on Sundays 12.45pm-7pm
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Aachen
North Rhine Westphalia
Germany
0241-477-090
Type: Religious Site
Addmission Fee: Free
Hours: Daily 11am-7pm; on Sundays 12.45pm-7pm
Comments ( 0 )
Rating (0 Votes)
The Aachen Cathedral or Dom is the highlight of any visit to Aachen. At its core is the octagonal Pfalzkapelle (Palatine Chapel) erected by Charlemagne around 800. A Gothic chancel and choir were added between 1355 and 1414, with further additions made up to the present. Large sections of the original Carolingian structure can be seen from Münsterplatz (south side). The 16-sided cupola is 17th century. The bronze doors with lions’ heads are original.
The Carolingian structures are more obvious inside, although more modern elements were added through the centuries. The marble throne of Charlemagne is on the upper floors of the west yoke and can only be seen on guided tours. Between 936 and 1531, 32 kings were crowned here. All of them brought gifts to the cathedral. One of the most impressive is the huge copper wheel chandelier donated by Friedrich I Barbarossa in 1165. It hangs in the center of the dome. (The mosaics of the dome are 19th century.) The gilded silver shrine of Charlemagne was donated by Friedrich I in the early 13th century. Also note the 11th-century gilded copper pulpit with precious stones donated by Heinrich II. The Carolingian high altar has an early 11th-century golden altar front with scenes from the passion of Christ.
Opening hours are daily from 7 am to 7 pm. As no sightseeing is allowed during services that means tourist access begins at 11 am on most days and at 12:45 on Sunday. The choir performs on Sunday during the 11:30 am service. Concerts are held Wednesday at 7 pm from April to October.
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