Octagonal dome
The heart of the building.
kaʁstn Disk/Cat — CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Dietmar Rabich — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Flocci Nivis — CC BY 4.0 · Edgar El — CC BY 3.0 · Horst J. Meuter — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Anil Öztas — CC BY-SA 4.0
Aachen Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in northern Europe, in the centre of the city of Aachen in western Germany near the Belgian and Dutch borders, about 64 km in a straight line west of Cologne. Its heart is the Palatine Chapel, built by the emperor Charlemagne around 796 to 805 as part of his palace: an octagonal, domed building modelled on Roman and Byzantine examples. Charlemagne was buried here, and more than thirty German kings were crowned here over about six centuries. A tall Gothic choir with long glass windows, towers and small chapels were added later. The cathedral was the first German site to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 1978. From the squares around it, its octagonal dome, west tower and Gothic choir can be seen together, and the cathedral treasury stands next to it. Entry to the cathedral is usually free outside services, while guided tours and the treasury are paid. The historic town hall and market square are a few steps away, and the city is also known for its hot springs.
The heart of the building.
Tall windows.
Next door.
Domhof, Aachen, Germany
Usually, outside services; the treasury is paid.
About 64 km in a straight line.