Rathaus

Aachen

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Fifty life-sized statues of German rulers, including 30 kings crowned in Aachen between AD 936 and 1531, adorn the facade of Aachen's splendid Gothic town hall. Inside, the undisputed highlight is the vaulted coronation hall where the post-ceremony banquets were held. Note the epic 19th-century frescoes and replicas of the imperial insignia: a crown, orb and sword (the originals are in Vienna).

The Rathaus was built in the 14th century atop the foundations of Charlemagne’s palace, of which the eastern tower, the Granusturm, is the oldest part to survive.

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Nearby Aachen attractions

1. Katschhof

0.03 MILES

It's worth finding a comfy spot in which to sit and contemplate this deeply historic square. At the north end is the backside of the Rathaus; across from…

2. Centre Charlemagne

0.03 MILES

A modern triangular building in the midst of where the great man walked, this museum looks at not only the life and times of Charlemagne but also Aachen's…

3. Couven Museum

0.06 MILES

This small applied arts museum recreates the living spaces and lives of 17th- and 18th-century patricians.

4. Puppenbrunnen

0.08 MILES

A modern fountain that's a crowd-pleasing work of mechanical art; look for the cock on top (a symbol of Napoleon's love for Aachen). Other details (all…

5. Domschatzkammer

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Aachen's cathedral treasury is a veritable mother lode of gold, silver and jewels. Of particular importance are the silver-and-gold bust of Charlemagne…

6. Aachener Dom

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It’s impossible to overestimate the significance of Aachen’s magnificent cathedral. The burial place of Charlemagne, it’s where more than 30 German kings…

7. Dom Information

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The Dom's visitor centre is your go-to stop for tour tickets, information and to peruse the displays and a short introduction to the cathedral.

8. Suermondt Ludwig Museum

0.55 MILES

The Suermondt Ludwig Museum is especially proud of its medieval sculpture but also has fine works by Cranach, Dürer, Macke, Dix and other masters. An…