Aachen (Germany): general description and attractions

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Aachen (Germany) is a small town located near the Dutch and Belgian border. In the eighth century it became the capital of Charlemagne's empire. It is thanks to this man that many unique sights appeared here. In addition, he went down in history as the residence of emperors and kings, as well as the seat of the Reichstagen and the coronation.

General Description

As noted above, the city of Aachen (Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands) is located on the border of three European states. On its outskirts there is even a symbolic column that belongs to these three countries at the same time. The first settlement on this site appeared in the Roman era. About two thousand years ago, people were attracted by the mineral springs located here. Currently, the local population is just over 260 thousand inhabitants. It should be noted that here is the center of the coal basin. Aachen is usually divided into the old inner city and the new outer city. Local attractions annually attract millions of tourists from all over the world. More about them andwill be discussed further.

First Treasure

Although Aachen (Germany) never had the status of the state capital, it still played a very important role, especially under Charlemagne. When he became emperor, the construction of a huge palace complex was completed here, the area of \u200b\u200bwhich was more than twenty hectares. It is considered one of the most ancient sites of pilgrimage in Aachen. Karl played a very important role in the history of the city and did many glorious deeds for its good, so the locals greatly honor him. Here, in the chapel, he is buried. Starting from 936, all German rulers were crowned on the territory of this complex. A person who did not go through this procedure here had no right to receive the imperial crown from the hands of the Pope.

Capella

The chapel in Aachen began to be built according to the idea of Charlemagne in 796 by the architect Odon of Metz. Eight years later it was consecrated by Pope Leo III. Later, the temple was repeatedly expanded and changed. This process continued until the eighteenth century. In its lower part there is a square, which is a symbol of the material circle and means the number 4. The round part of the chapel symbolizes the Holy Trinity and the number 3. Thus, a magical “seven” is formed in the sum, which ensures a good spiritual and material life. There is also an octagon in the upper part, which, when turned upside down, symbolizes infinity and spiritual harmony. Due to the fact that the temple was completed after the Romanesque period, its external style isGothic.

Wolf

There is a belief that the bronze she-wolf, located at the entrance to the temple, was brought by Charles to his residence from Rome. At the same time, in historical documents it is remembered only in 1414. The hole on the chest of the beast suggests that at one time the she-wolf was used as an integral part of the fountain. In addition, in the nineteenth century, under unknown circumstances, the left paw was damaged, which was replaced by local sculptors.

Aachen cone

The next interesting sight that the city of Aachen boasts is a bronze cone that is over one millennium old. It is cast as a single piece and has an alloy base. There are 129 metal scales on the bump in nine rows. Each of them has small holes, therefore, most likely, it was created as a fountain. It should be noted that during antiquity, as well as in the Middle Ages, this kind of sculpture was a common decoration in Byzantine cities.

Town Hall

Not far from the Chapel is the City Hall, built at the beginning of the fourteenth century. Its northern facade is decorated with statues of 50 rulers of the country, as well as emperors who came to the coronation in the city of Aachen. Germany, as noted above, owes a lot to Charlemagne, so it is not surprising that his monument was erected opposite the building in 1620. The Town Hall has burned down several times throughout its history, but has been constantly rebuilt. Last timeit happened at the end of the nineteenth century. Now there is a museum on the territory of the building.

Finishing

These are just some of the famous historical monuments that the German Aachen boasts. The sights of this city attract pilgrims from all over the world. In addition to the interesting places mentioned above, it should also be noted the church of Peter and Mary, the Panicadilo of Barbarossa, the Cancer of Charlemagne, the Cancer of the Virgin Mary and many others. Be that as it may, the city is also famous for its thermal healing springs, first discovered by the Celts a century before Christ. They are the hottest in all of Western Europe, with temperatures ranging from 37 to 77 degrees Celsius.

Summing up, Aachen is definitely the ideal place to relax. If the tourist life is in full swing in the area of the Town Hall and the Chapel, then on the deserted quiet streets you can enjoy incredible silence accompanied by a glass of German beer and see the real life of this city.