50 Facts About the Aachen Cathedral: UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Aachen Cathedral, located in western Germany, is a historical and architectural masterpiece that dates back to the 8th century. From its origins as Charlemagne's royal palace chapel to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral has played a central role in European history and culture. In this article, we'll explore 50 fascinating facts about the Aachen Cathedral, from its unique architecture to its priceless treasures and cultural significance.

50 Fascinating Facts About the Aachen Cathedral: From Charlemagne to UNESCO World Heritage Site

• The Aachen Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Aix-la-Chapelle, is located in Aachen, Germany.
• It is a Roman Catholic church and the oldest cathedral in northern Europe.
• The cathedral was originally commissioned by the Emperor Charlemagne in the year 786 AD.
• Charlemagne intended the cathedral to be his palace chapel, where he could be crowned as Holy Roman Emperor.
• Construction of the cathedral began in 796 AD and was completed in 805 AD.
• The cathedral was built in the Byzantine architectural style, with influences from the Roman and Carolingian styles.
• The cathedral has a distinctive octagonal shape, with an upper gallery and a central dome.
• The cathedral is made of stone and is 100 meters long, 40 meters wide, and 32 meters high.
• The cathedral has four towers, each 71 meters high.
• The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been designated as one of the most important cultural monuments in Europe.
• The cathedral is dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and is the seat of the Bishop of Aachen.
• The cathedral is also known for its relics, including the Seamless Robe of Jesus, the cloth worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion.
• The cathedral has been the site of many important historical events, including the coronation of 30 Holy Roman Emperors.
• The cathedral was damaged during World War II but was restored to its original state in the years following the war.
• The cathedral has undergone several renovations over the centuries, including a major renovation in the 19th century.
• The cathedral is known for its beautiful mosaics, which cover an area of more than 1200 square meters.
• The mosaics in the cathedral depict scenes from the Bible and from the life of Charlemagne.
• The cathedral is also known for its bronze doors, which were created by the artist Hans von Reutlingen in the 15th century.
• The doors depict scenes from the Bible and from the life of Charlemagne.
• The cathedral has a crypt that contains the tombs of many of the Holy Roman Emperors.
• The crypt also contains the remains of Charlemagne himself.
• The cathedral is also home to a number of chapels, including the Chapel of St. Nicholas, which was built in the 14th century.
• The chapel contains a number of frescoes, including a famous fresco of St. Nicholas.
• The cathedral also has a treasury, which contains a number of important religious artifacts.
• The treasury includes a number of medieval manuscripts, as well as gold and silver objects.
• The cathedral has a choir that is famous for its beautiful singing.
• The choir has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages.
• The cathedral is open to the public for tours and for worship services.
• The cathedral attracts thousands of visitors every year from all over the world.
• The cathedral is located in the center of Aachen, which is a lively and vibrant city.
• Aachen is known for its hot springs, which have been popular with visitors since Roman times.
• Aachen is also home to a number of other historic sites, including the Elisenbrunnen, a neoclassical fountain built in the 19th century.
• Aachen is located near the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands, and is a popular tourist destination for visitors from these countries.
• The Aachen Cathedral is one of the most important examples of Carolingian architecture in Europe, which was a style that emerged during the reign of Charlemagne.
• The cathedral is also notable for its use of mosaic art, which was a popular decorative technique in Byzantine and Romanesque architecture.
• The cathedral has been the subject of numerous artistic and literary works over the centuries, including paintings, sculptures, and poems.
• In 1978, the Aachen Cathedral was one of the first 12 sites to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The cathedral's central dome is made of wood and covered with lead sheets, and weighs approximately 24 tons.
• The cathedral's upper gallery is supported by 32 marble columns, which were salvaged from ancient Roman buildings.
• The cathedral's interior is decorated with intricate carvings, frescoes, and stained glass windows, which date back to various periods in its history.
• The cathedral's treasury is home to many priceless objects, including the so-called "Lothar Cross", which is an 11th-century processional cross made of gold and decorated with precious stones.
• The cathedral's bell tower contains eight bells, which were cast in the 15th and 16th centuries.
• The cathedral's choir screen, which dates back to the 13th century, is decorated with scenes from the life of Christ.
• The cathedral's pulpit, which was created in the 16th century, is adorned with carvings of the four Evangelists.
• The cathedral's organ, which was built in the 1970s, is one of the largest in Germany and is known for its rich sound.
• The cathedral's exterior is decorated with numerous sculptures, including a bronze statue of Charlemagne that was added in the 19th century.
• The cathedral has been the site of many important cultural events over the years, including concerts and art exhibitions.
• The cathedral is managed by a team of professional conservators, who are responsible for preserving and maintaining its historic fabric.
• The cathedral is also home to a number of valuable archives, including manuscripts and historical documents dating back to the Middle Ages.
• The Aachen Cathedral remains one of the most important cultural and religious landmarks in Europe, and a symbol of the rich history and cultural heritage of the German people.

In conclusion, the Aachen Cathedral is a true treasure of European history and culture, with a rich legacy that spans over a thousand years. From its iconic architecture and intricate mosaics to its priceless treasures and cultural significance, the cathedral is a testament to the creativity, skill, and ingenuity of generations of craftsmen and builders. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates beauty and cultural heritage, the Aachen Cathedral is a must-see destination that will leave you in awe.