Aachen Cathedral (Aachener Dom) is more than just a building. It’s a testament to the faith and artistry of medieval Europe and one of its most important cathedrals. It became Germany’s first UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.
This architectural masterpiece should be on your travel bucket list even if you have only a passing interest in art or history. Here’s my guide to visiting Aachen Cathedral, its history and what to expect.
Making a Masterpiece: Charlemagne’s Vision
Aachen Cathedral was built for Emperor Charlemagne between 796 and 800 AD.
Also known as Charles the Great, he became King of the Franks in 768, King of the Lombards in 774 and Emperor of the Carolingian Empire in 800. Often regarded as the “Father of Europe”, he unified the continent and laid the foundations for the Holy Roman Empire.
Charlemagne’s vision of a centre of power and spirituality in his empire materialized in Aachen Cathedral. But this wasn’t just any church. It was the epicentre of the Carolingian Renaissance, a period of renewed cultural and intellectual activity inspired by the classical past.
Making a deal with the Devil
According to legend, the people of Aachen were struggling to complete the cathedral and, in desperation, made a pact with the Devil. The deal was that the Devil would provide the necessary funds and assistance to complete the cathedral. In return, he demanded the soul of the first living being to enter the cathedral once it was finished.
As the cathedral neared completion, the people devised a cunning plan to trick the Devil. They captured a wolf and, on the day of the cathedral’s consecration, released the wolf into the cathedral as the first living being to enter.
The Devil was furious and is said to have stormed out of the cathedral, severing his thumb on the door handle. According to some versions of the legend the “devil’s thumb” can be felt inside the lion’s head door knocker the Wolf Door.
Architectural Brilliance: A Mix of Styles
Aachen Cathedral is the most recognised symbol of Occidental architecture in the world. It’s one of the most beautiful sacred spaces I have visited (and I’ve seen the mosaics of Ravenna).
The cathedral’s intricate mosaics shimmer in the dim light. Diffused rays of light streaming through stained glass illuminate its marble floor.
The cathedral was a work in progress for 1200 years, resulting in a palimpsest of architectural styles. It blends Romanesque, Gothic and even Baroque elements, each era leaving its mark
Its core structure, the Palatine Chapel, is the oldest part of the cathedral and an ode to mathematics and geometry. This octagonal basilica soars to a height of 32 meters and is smothered with mosaics, creating a heavenly ascension effect.
The octagonal design was no accident. Charlemagne was a big fan of the number eight, the symbol of regeneration and the promise of eternal life in Christian numerology.
The Barbarossa Candelabrum hangs in the centre of the Palatine Chapel. This was donated in 1165 by Frederick I Barbarossa and represents the holy city of Jerusalem.
Aachen Cathedral’s gothic choir was added in 1414.
Dubbed the “Aachen glass house”, it contains 1000 square meters of stained glass, inspired by those at Saint-Chapelle in Paris. These windows are not only beautiful; they also tell biblical stories and saints’ lives, serving as a visual scripture for the faithful.
Charlemagne’s Cathedral attracts pilgrims from across the globe
After Charlemagne died in 814, he was buried in the cathedral, making it a pilgrimage site. A magnificent 13th-century golden shrine in the choir houses some of his bones. The rest are distributed across Europe; many taken as good-luck trinkets by subsequent kings, others are in the cathedral’s treasury.
The 10th-century imperial throne overlooks the cathedral from the gallery.
The Shrine of St. Mary, also in the choir, houses the four great relics of Aachen: St. Mary’s robe, Jesus’ swaddling clothes, St. John the Baptist’s beheading cloth and Jesus’ loin cloth.
These relics are displayed for ten days every seven years during the Aachen Pilgrimage. In case you’re interested, the next one is due to take place in 2028.
My Tips for Visiting Aachen Cathedral
And that’s a wrap!
I hope this brief article helps you make the most of your visit to Aachener Dom. Before you leave, take a look at my guide to the best things to do in Aachen.
Happy travels!
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.