Aachen Cathedral

Categories: Sightseeing, Cultural and History

Ceiling of the Palatine Chapel

[ source: Wikipedia]

Aachen Cathedral

This historic site should not be missed on a trip to the ancient city of Aachen. The Aachen (Aachen vacation rentals | Aachen travel guide) Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in northern Europe and offers visitors a trip back into the time of monarchical Germany.

Built in 792 by Charles the Great (Charlemagne), and consecrated in 805 by Pope Leo III. The Aachen Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in northern Europe. It is often referred to as the Imperial Cathedral after being used as the coronation church for 30 German kings and 12 German queens. It was constructed in honor of the Virgin Mary and its Occidental architecture style should not be missed on a trip into the city.

The Cathedral is a major pilgrimage church and the burial place of Charlemagne and Holy Roman Emperor Otto III. The shrine to St. Mary holds the four great Aachen relics: St. Mary's cloak, Christ's swaddling clothes, St. John the Baptist's beheading cloth and Christ's loincloth. Following a custom begun in 1349, every seven years the relics are taken out of the shrine and put on display during the Great Aachen Pilgrimage. This pilgrimage most recently took place during June 2007.

In 1978 it was the 1st German building to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. A guided tour is therefore an essential part of any visit to Aachen and a "must" for anyone who loves historic buildings and churches.

[ source: wikipedia ]

Location, Map, and Driving Directions

Opening Hours

• April - October: daily 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• November - March: daily 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• No visits during the services, i.e. no tours before 11:00 a.m. or on Sunday before 1:00 p.m.

Services are held at the following times:

• Mon – Fri: 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m.
• Sat: 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m.
• Sun: 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. (High Mass, Aachen Cathedral Choir), 11:30 a.m. Ecumencial midday meditation at the Cathedral
• Tue - Fri: 1.30 - 1.45 p.m.

Concerts series evening music:

• June, July, September and October, each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., admission: 5.00 €

Contact Information

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