Aachen Cathedral is one of the most important buildings in Europe and is one of the most outstanding monuments of sacred architecture. It was built as Charlemagne's palatine chapel between 795 and 803 and developed over the centuries into one of the most important ecclesiastical centers in Germany. Its historical significance was recognized in 1987 with its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List - the first German building ever to do so.
City of Aachen/Peter Wery
History of the cathedral
The construction of the cathedral dates back to Charlemagne, who made Aachen his main residence. The original palatine chapel, today's octagon with surrounding hexagon, was inspired by Byzantine models, in particular San Vitale in Ravenna and the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. With its impressive height of 31 m, the eight-sided central building was an architectural masterpiece at the time and the highest vaulted room north of the Alps.
After Charlemagne's death in 814, he was buried in a sarcophagus in the cathedral. Later, in 1165, Charlemagne was canonized and his remains were transferred to Charlemagne's shrine. This made Aachen an important place of pilgrimage. Between 936 and 1531, Aachen Cathedral served as the coronation church for a total of 31 German kings.
Architecture and extensions
The original building of Aachen Cathedral was extended several times over the centuries. The Gothic choir, also known as the Glass House of Aachen, was built in the 14th century. Particularly impressive are the large choir windows, which at around 26 meters are among the tallest Gothic church windows in Europe. Finally, the late Gothic and Baroque wreath of mostly two-storey chapels completes the cathedral to form a unique and intricate ensemble of buildings.
The cathedral treasury and the shrines
Aachen Cathedral is home to one of the most valuable and important church treasures in Europe. In addition to the Barbarossa Chandelier and the Henry Sambo, the outstanding medieval furnishings include the Shrine of Charlemagne, in which the bones of Charlemagne are kept, and the Shrine of the Virgin Mary, which contains the four most important Aachen relics: Jesus' swaddling clothes and loincloth, Mary's dress and the beheading cloth of John the Baptist. Other important items can be found in the neighboring cathedral treasury, including the Lothar cross, the bust of Charlemagne and the arm reliquary.
The Aachen shrine pilgrimage, which has taken place every seven years since the 14th century, is particularly significant. The four main relics from the shrine of the Virgin Mary are displayed and venerated by tens of thousands of pilgrims.
Significance of the cathedral today
Aachen Cathedral is not only a historical monument, but also a living place of faith. It serves as the cathedral of the diocese of Aachen and is the venue for numerous church services, concerts and cultural events.
Every year, over a million people visit the cathedral to experience its impressive architecture, its art treasures and its spiritual significance.