Front Entrance of the Aachen Cathedral
The Aachen Cathedral is arguably the most important monument here in the city of Aachen. And I think that says a lot. Aachen is an imperial city that was the capital of Charlemagne’s Carolingian Empire. While I don’t know much about European history, I have heard of Charlemagne and how he was one of the important rulers back then. I didn’t know how important but it turns out that Charlemagne managed to unite most of Western Europe under one empire. No small feat because there are numerous little kingdoms which are scattered all around the continent. When he ascended the throne, Charlemagne declared his birthplace the capital of the empire. Maybe he just didn’t want to leave home but just as well, he set about making Aachen and actual imperial capital.
Glass Windows of the Aachen Cathedral
One of the structures which was built is of course the Aachen Cathedral. It is one of Europe’s oldest cathedrals having been built in the year 805. At the time, it wasn’t a cathedral but merely a chapel for Charlemagne to use. Over the centuries parts of the current cathedral were built. In fact, from the outside, you won’t even be able to tell that this was the case. I had assumed that this was just another typical cathedral and I really just wanted to get it over with. However, that would have to wait a bit.
The entrance to the cathedral is in a rather unassuming part of the church. But it seems that I arrived a bit early in the day and the doors weren’t open. I didn’t have to read the German signs to know that this was the case because there were also other people waiting outside the doors. At the time of my visit, the doors open eleven in the morning. This is actually a lot of time for me since I arrived early. I can use this extra time to have a look at the other spots here in Aachen.
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