Aachen Cathedral

In the ancient city of Aachen, which has more than two thousand years, is one of the oldest medieval churches of Europe. Aachen Cathedral began to build in the late 7th century by order of the Emperor Charlemagne. He wanted his court became the spiritual and cultural center of the empire, its Jerusalem.

For many centuries, the cathedral has played an important role in the history of the medieval world. It was under his arches crowned Holy Roman Emperors. At the top of the gallery remained spacious hall with a huge stained-glass windows and marble tridtsatimetrovaya throne for proclaimed emperors.

The central and the oldest part of the cathedral is considered to be the imperial palace chapel, decorated with golden mosaics, Byzantine painting whimsical and airy arches. Chapel built in the shape of an octagon that symbolizes universal harmony, and the kingdom of heaven. In the center of the chapel, the tomb is a stone, under which are buried the remains of Charlemagne.

Famous cathedral and its sacred relics, including the veil of the Virgin Mary, changing the baby`s mother of Jesus Christ, the belt that was on it at the time of the crucifixion and the sacrificial cover of John the Baptist. All these treasures brought to the temple itself, Charlemagne, and here they are carefully stored until now.

Temple doors are open every day from 7:00 to 19:00 (April - December), from 7:00 to 18:00 (January - March). For tourists to inside rooms is available only after the mass. On weekdays, tours start from 11:00, holidays and weekends from 12:30 -. Adult ticket costs about 4 euros.

Until Aachen can be reached by high-speed trains from Paris, Brussels and Cologne. Also, every half hour from Essen, Duisburg and Dusseldorf to Aachen follow commuter trains. From the railway station Cathedral is a 15-minute walk.