Aachen Cathedral
Aachen, Germany
13.03.2024
Aachener Dom - A Fascinating Mix of History and Architecture
The Aachener Dom (Aachen Cathedral) is an impressive example of Carolingian and Gothic architecture and is located in the city of Aachen in Germany. It was built by Charlemagne, the King of the Franks, in the 8th century and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. The cathedral is not only a masterpiece of engineering and design, but also holds great significance in European history and religion.
The construction of the Aachener Dom began in 786 AD, when Charlemagne decided to build a palace and a church in Aachen. The cathedral was intended to be the center of his empire and the final resting place for his remains. The building was completed in 805 AD and was consecrated as a church in the presence of Pope Leo III. Since then, the Aachener Dom has been the coronation site of German kings and queens.
The cathedral is a unique blend of Carolingian and Gothic styles. The original building was designed in the Carolingian style, with its octagonal shape and domed roof. Over the centuries, several additions were made, including the Gothic choir and the westwork, which is a magnificent entrance to the cathedral. The interior of the Aachener Dom is equally stunning, with intricate mosaics, stained glass windows, and the shrine of Charlemagne, which contains his remains.
One of the most fascinating features of the Aachener Dom is its Treasury, which is home to a collection of precious relics and artifacts. The Treasury houses the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, which is considered to be one of the most important symbols of power in European history. It also contains the Lothar Cross, a gold and jeweled cross that was made in the 10th century and is one of the most valuable treasures of the cathedral.
Today, the Aachener Dom continues to be an important religious site and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take guided tours of the cathedral and learn about its rich history and significance. The Aachener Dom also hosts several events and concerts throughout the year, making it a lively and vibrant cultural center in Aachen.
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Construction of this palatine chapel, with its octagonal basilica and cupola, began c. 790–800 under the Emperor Charlemagne. Originally inspired by the churches of the Eastern part of the Holy Roman Empire, it was splendidly enlarged in the Middle Ages.
Aachen Cathedral (German: Aachener Dom) is a Catholic church in Aachen, Germany and the cathedral of the Diocese of Aachen.
One of the oldest cathedral buildings in Europe, it was constructed as the royal chapel of the Palace of Aachen of Emperor Charlemagne, who was buried there in 814. From 936 to 1531, the original Palatine Chapel saw the coronation of thirty-one German kings and twelve queens. Later, much expanded, it was a minster and collegiate church, becoming a cathedral briefly from 1803 to 1825, and again in 1930 when the Diocese of Aachen was revived. In 1978, Aachen Cathedral was one of the first 12 sites to be listed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, because of its exceptional artistry, architecture, and central importance in the history of the Holy Roman Empire.
The cathedral mostly uses two distinct architectural styles. First, the core of the cathedral is the Carolingian-Romanesque Palatine Chapel, which was modeled after the Basilica of San Vitale at Ravenna and is notably small in comparison to the later additions. Secondly, the choir was constructed in the Gothic style. There are portions that show Ottonian style, such as the area around the throne, and some areas were not completed until the 19th century, in revivalist styles.
