Aachen Cathedral
Aachener Dom
The palace chapel of Charlemagne, Germany's first World Heritage Site. About 30 German kings were crowned here.
The core of Aachen Cathedral is the octagonal palace chapel that Charlemagne built around 800. It is one of the oldest cathedrals north of the Alps and became Germany's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Between 936 and 1531, about 30 German kings were crowned here. Charlemagne's marble throne and golden shrine are still preserved. The golden mosaics of the dome and the Gothic glass choir are spectacular. Entry to the cathedral is free. Seeing the throne requires joining a guided tour. The neighbouring Treasury holds medieval gold objects. The journey from Cologne by train takes about 35–60 minutes.
Opening hours
Approx. 07:00–19:00 (until 18:00 in winter); visits restricted during Mass
Nearby sights
- Monschau Old Town
- Phantasialand
- Rheinturm
- Augustusburg Palace, Brühl
- Düsseldorf Altstadt & Königsallee
- Ehrenfeld
- Belgian Quarter
- Hahnentorburg