Aachen is a historical town, a center of science and learning, and a city whose history could be treated as a history of Europe. Even more, I can say without any exaggeration that Aachen is a first capital of the European Union.
City was founded by the Romans who were attracted here by the mineral springs of the area. But the greatest pages of the history of the Apache were in the 8 century when the Charlemagne chose it as his capital.
It was the very big city, may be only Constantinople could surpass the Aachen. Charlemagne made not only the seat of his imperial administration in the city but also made from the Aachen the most influential center of culture in Europe. He gathered most prominent thinkers and scholars from all over Europe.
All monarchs tried to compete one with another in attempt to send valuable gifts to the city. Delegations from all corners of the known world visited the city and together with Rome and Constantinople Aachen consisted the triangle of power.
After the death of the Charlemagne Aachen had not lost its importance. The city become the place of coronation of the Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire and was the important trade center.
Most prominent monument of the city – is Cathedral of Aachen. It was built in 800 and was the private church of the Charlemagne and his family. In the Middle Ages Cathedral was connected with the Palace of Emperor but today they parted by the small square.
Cathedral had not saved its guise of the 8 century. During the centuries of its existence it was remodeled and rebuilt few times. When you visit the Aachen don’t miss the Treasure of Aachen Cathedral. There you can see a lot of interesting artifacts many of which were transferred from Rome by Charlemagne to enhance the prestige of the city.
Another prominent building of Aachen is a Town Hall. Initially it was the palace of Charlemagne then it was the place where the Emperors gave their oath during the coronation.
As the Cathedral Town Hall has been rebuilt a few times so it spans a few styles of architecture. The largest surviving remnant of the Charlemagne’s palace is the so-called “Granus Tower”.
Following the deterioration and demolition in the 13th century, the city’s administration reconciled with Emperor Ludwig of Bavaria construction of new building with dual purpose. It was the seat of Aachen administration and the place of coronation including the following after coronation feasts. Pope Pius Second described the Town Hall of Aachen in 1453 as “stateliest palace in all of Germany”.
Also don’t miss the wonderfull murals painted by Affred Rethel in Coronation Hall in the middle of the 19th century. Next to the Town Hall there are a few interesting buildings which were built in the 16-17 centuries. Today most of them host restaurants or souvenir shops. Also I personally was impressed by the fountains of the Aachen. Some of them are small so be be cautious when you will explore the city and don’t miss them.
