Aachen - Buses and Buses - Transportation - Attractions

Aachen, or Aachen in German, is one of Germany's westernmost cities. It lies in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is inhabited by a population of 250,000 people. Aachen traces its roots back to Celtic times - the Romans founded it in the 1st century AD as "Aquae Grani" or "Aquisgranum". The name derives from the warm sulfur springs with healing properties located there and from the Celtic god of healing, Granus.

The town was first mentioned in 765, when Papin the Little built himself a residence there. Pepin the Little's son, Charlemagne chose Aachen as the capital of the Carolingian state. After his death, the city was granted municipal rights and became a free city of the Reich; in later centuries it gained defensive walls, was able to grow significantly thanks to trade, and the sessions of the Reich Diet held there also gave it political importance. It declined somewhat over time, but remained a popular town for its spa qualities. During World War II, many of its valuable monuments suffered significantly in the initial air raids and bloody battles with the Allies.

What to see in Aachen?

The city is famous for its medieval cathedral, many monuments related to Charlemagne, and for its sweets, especially gingerbread and chocolate, which has been produced there for almost 200 years. What else is there to see in Aachen?

Katschof

Surrounded by trees, the main city square with its town hall and cathedral is the heart of Aachen. A Christmas market is held here during the Christmas season, and throughout the year you can stock up on local specialties and take a break from sightseeing in one of the many cafes or restaurants.

Cathedral

Immediately after Charlemagne chose the city as his seat, he began construction of the Carolingian Palace with an octagonal chapel, which in time was transformed into a cathedral. From 936 to 1531, rulers of the Holy Roman Empire were crowned there. The first was Otto I, and more than 30 more German kings did so after him. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with beautiful mosaics and hides many valuable relics, such as an 11th-century pulpit and a circular candlestick from the 12th century. It also houses Charlemagne's imperial throne and reliquary, as well as the Great Relics of Aachen, namely Mary's gown, the diapers of the infant Jesus, the hip band of the crucified Jesus and the shawl in which John the Baptist's beheaded head was wrapped. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next to it, a treasury with many antique reliquaries and works of sacred art of the early Middle Ages is open to the public.

City Hall

Aachen's Gothic town hall dates back to the 14th century. It was built on the foundations of Charlemagne's former palace. The oldest surviving parts of the Town Hall may date back as far as 1267. The palace and later the City Hall were the venue for official balls convened after the coronation of emperors. The building suffered significant damage during World War II, but was rebuilt with care for its historic character. On its northern side is the historic market square (Marktplatz) with a statue of Charlemagne. A market is held there on Tuesdays.

Elisenbrunnen in Aachen

Aachen is known for its hot healing springs - the Romans established a small spa settlement here as early as ancient times. In the 19th century, a neoclassical building with two drinking fountains was erected in the city, named Elisenbrunnen, in honor of the daughter of Bavarian King Maximilian I. After World War II, during which the building was destroyed, it was reconstructed and today tourists can enjoy the health properties of these waters, as they have done here for centuries.

Charles Thermal Baths

Several thermal pool complexes can be found in Aachen. The most famous in the city are the Charles Thermae, consisting of an open-air pool, a covered pool and a dozen saunas.

Centre Charlemagne

Centre Charlemagne is an interactive museum dealing with the history of the city with special emphasis on Charlemagne and its history. It is housed in a modern building between Aachen's cathedral and city hall.