Aachen Cathedral

The Aachen Cathedral (Aachener Dom), located in the far west of Germany near the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands, is one of Europe’s oldest and most significant architectural landmarks.

The cathedral is a fascinating hybrid of architectural styles, primarily Carolingian-Romanesque and Gothic. At its heart lies the Palatine Chapel, an octagonal structure commissioned by Emperor Charlemagne around 790–800 CE.

The Octagon: Modeled after Byzantine churches like San Vitale in Ravenna, it features heavy pillars, antique marble columns brought from Rome, and a massive dome adorned with vibrant mosaics.
The Gothic Choir: Added in the 14th century to accommodate massive crowds of pilgrims, this section is known as the “Glass House of Aachen” due to its soaring, 27-meter-high stained-glass windows.
The Treasury: Adjacent to the cathedral, it houses one of the most important collections of medieval church treasures in Europe, including the golden Bust of Charlemagne and the Cross of Lothair.

Attraction

Tourists from around the world are drawn to Aachen for its “living history”:

Charlemagne’s Legacy: As the final resting place of the “Father of Europe,” the cathedral allows visitors to stand where the Carolingian Empire was born.
Coronation Site: Between 936 and 1531, 31 German kings and 12 queens were crowned on the stone Throne of Charlemagne, which can still be seen today.
Religious Relics: Every seven years, the cathedral holds the Aachen Pilgrimage, displaying four great biblical relics (including the swaddling clothes of Jesus and the cloak of Mary).
Architecture: It is a rare example of a structure that has been in continuous use for over 1,200 years, surviving Viking raids and WWII bombings.

Heritage

Inscribed in 1978, Aachen Cathedral holds the distinction of being the very first UNESCO World Heritage site in Germany.

Criterion (i): It is an exceptional artistic creation, being the first vaulted structure north of the Alps since antiquity.
Criterion (ii): It served as a prototype for religious architecture throughout the Carolingian Renaissance.
Criterion (iv): It is a definitive example of an “aulian” (palatine) chapel.
Criterion (vi): It symbolizes the unification of the West and the spiritual revival under Charlemagne.

Gateway

City: While Aachen is a major city itself, Cologne serves as the primary international gateway.
Airport: Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is the closest major hub. Alternatively, Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) offers even more international connections.
Transit: From Cologne, a direct train reaches Aachen in about 45–60 minutes.
Lodging: Aachen has a wide range of hotels. For luxury, the Parkhotel Quellenhof is iconic; for central boutique stays near the cathedral, Aquis Grana City Hotel or Motel One Aachen are excellent choices.

When

Spring & Autumn (April–June, September–October): The most pleasant weather for walking the old town, with fewer crowds than summer.
December: The Aachen Christmas Market, which surrounds the cathedral and town hall, is consistently ranked among the top ten in Europe.
Avoid: Late February (Carnival), as the cathedral may have restricted hours or be closed for local festivities (e.g., February 12 and 16, 2026).

Consideration

Dress Code: This is an active place of worship. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Men should remove hats upon entry.
Guided Tours: You can enter the main cathedral for free, but the Imperial Throne and the Gothic Choir are accessible only via official guided tours (available daily in English at 2:00 PM).
Quiet Hours: During daily mass (typically 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM), sightseeing is not permitted.
Photography: A small fee (usually €1) is requested for a “photography permit” if you wish to take pictures inside.

View of Aachen Cathedral Treasury (Kleon3, Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0).

Resources

Aachener Dom Official Website: The essential site for 2026 opening hours, mass schedules, and tour bookings.
UNESCO – Aachen Cathedral Profile: For the formal historical and architectural evaluation of the site.
Aachen Tourism Service: Information on city walking tours, the “Route Charlemagne,” and thermal spas.
NRW Tourism – Aachen: Regional travel tips for North Rhine-Westphalia.
GetYourGuide – Aachen Tours: Useful for booking private English-speaking guides and day trips from nearby cities like Cologne or Brussels.