What is Aachen Germany known for?
Aachen is Germany’s most westerly city and, historically, one of Europe’s most important due to its position near the Dutch and Belgian borders. Situated in a forest-ringed basin in the foothills of the Eifel and the Ardennes, Aachen has long been famous for its curative hot springs and spas.
What is the meaning of Aachen?
The name Aachen is a modern descendant, like southern German Ach(e), German: Aach, meaning “river” or “stream”, from Old High German ahha, meaning “water” or “stream”, which directly translates (and etymologically corresponds) to Latin Aquae, referring to the springs.
Who was the emperor who built the cathedral in Aachen?
However, there is one ruler that dominates the story of Aachen – Charlemagne. Charlemagne – the emperor who united much of Western Europe and built the foundations for Germany and France – constructed Aachen Cathedral as his own palace chapel.
Is the Aachen Cathedral open to the public?
The cathedral is closed to tourists during services. This also applies to special services and concerts – short-term closure is possible! Normal visiting times are weekdays from 11 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m..
Which is the Mother Church of the Diocese of Aachen?
For 595 years, from 936 to 1531, the Palatine Chapel, heart of the cathedral, was the church of coronation for thirty-one German kings and twelve queens. The church has been the mother church of the Diocese of Aachen since 1802.
What’s the difference between Cologne and Aachen cathedrals?
Aachen Cathedral is tiny compared to the large German cathedrals of Cologne or Speyer. But the small interior space means there’s an intensity to the colours and art inside. The stained-glass windows are so finely detailed and take up so much of the walls that they dominate the light within the cathedral.