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Aachen Cathedral coat of arms

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Aachen Cathedral

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Historical site
—°10
Aachen Cathedral (Germany)

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Aachen Cathedral, also known as the Imperial Cathedral, is one of the most significant monuments of Christendom and was the first German site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978. Construction began around 796 by Charlemagne as a palatine chapel, representing a masterpiece of Carolingian architecture. The core structure, the Octagon, was modeled after Byzantine sacred buildings and served as the coronation site for German kings for over 600 years. Between 936 and 1531, a total of 31 monarchs were crowned here on the famous Throne of Charlemagne. The architecture integrates ancient spolia with medieval craftsmanship and was expanded in the 14th century by an impressive Gothic choir hall. Today, the cathedral houses the magnificent Shrine of Charlemagne containing the emperor's remains, as well as the Shrine of St. Mary with significant relics. As the final resting place of Charlemagne, the building stands as a central symbol of European identity and history.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C2361014171919151163
Rain mm665956426165737853586571

📋 Practical info

📍
Address
Domhof 1, 52062 Aachen
🕒
Hours
Mon-Sat 11:00-18:00, Sun 13:00-17:45 (viewing outside of church services)
💶
Entry
free (donations welcome); treasury: €5; guided tour: €5
🌐
Website
aachenerdom.de
🚌
Transit
Bus to 'Elisenbrunnen' stop, then a 5-minute walk
🅿️
Parking
Parking garage 'am Dom', approx. €2.20/hr
♿
Accessibility
Ground floor accessible; choir and upper floor by guided tour only (steps)
📷
Photos
Photography permit available for €3 at the ticket office (no flash/tripod)
⭐
Best time
Right at opening at 11:00 AM to see the light effects through the windows
🎧
Audio guide
no (guided tours recommended)

History & landmarks

middle-ages

796–805

Geography

Coordinates
50.77470, 6.08390

Facts

  • Construction of the palatine chapel from approx. 793 to 813
  • Coronation site of 31 German kings between 936 and 1531
  • First German monument on the UNESCO World Heritage List (1978)
  • The height of the Octagon is approximately 31 meters
  • Houses the marble throne of Charlemagne from the 8th century
  • The Gothic choir hall was consecrated in 1414

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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📍Würselen6 km · NEExplore →
📍Stolberg11 km · EExplore →
NieuwenhagenNieuwenhagen15 km · NExplore →
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SlenakenSlenaken16 km · WExplore →

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Sights in the town Aachen Cathedral (10)

Aachen Cathedral

Aachen Cathedral: Roman-Catholic cathedral in Aachen, coronation church of German kings.

Annakapelle

St. Anne's Chapel: chapel in Aachen Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Anne.

Matthiaskapelle

St. Matthias' Chapel: chapel in Aachen Cathedral, dedicated to the apostle Matthias.

Karlsschrein

Shrine of Charlemagne: gilded reliquary in the cathedral, containing Charlemagne's bones.

Karls- und Hubertuskapelle

Charles and Hubertus Chapel: double chapel in Aachen Cathedral, dedicated to Charlemagne and Hubertus.

Domschatzkammer🏛 museum

Cathedral Treasury: museum housing church treasures, including the Lothair Cross and Charlemagne bust.

Grashaus

Grashaus: former town hall of Aachen, now a registry office.

Römische Mauer

Roman Wall: remains of a Roman city wall in Aachen.

Gallorömischer Umgangstempel am Hof

Gallo-Roman ambulatory temple at Hof: foundation remains of a Roman temple in Aachen.

Centre Charlemagne🏛 museum

Centre Charlemagne: museum on the city history of Aachen, from Roman times to today.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who is buried in Aachen Cathedral?
Charlemagne, who built the cathedral around 800 AD, is buried here in a magnificent shrine.
Is there an entry fee for the cathedral?
Entry to the nave is free, but a fee is charged for guided tours (e.g., to see the throne).
What is the Cathedral Treasury?
It displays one of Europe's most significant church treasures, including the bust of Charlemagne.
Can you visit the cathedral during mass?
No, visiting and sightseeing tours for tourists are not permitted during religious services.
Is photography allowed in the cathedral?
Yes, without flash for private use, after purchasing a photo permit (approx. 1 EUR).
Aachen Cathedral: where is it located?
Aachen Cathedral is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Aachen Cathedral: what is there to see?
Highlights include Aachen Cathedral, Annakapelle, Matthiaskapelle.
Aachen Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Aachen Cathedral: why is it worth visiting?
Aachen Cathedral, also known as the Imperial Cathedral, is one of the most significant monuments of Christendom and was the first German site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978.
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