Aachen Cathedral, Imperial cathedral in central Aachen, Germany.
Aachen Cathedral is an imperial cathedral in central Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, combining an octagonal Palatine Chapel with a Gothic choir. The central structure rises beneath a dome, while the choir consists of tall glass windows and slender pillars.
Charlemagne commissioned the chapel from 796 as part of his palace and was buried there in 814. The Gothic choir was built in the 14th century to create more space for streams of pilgrims.
The shrine of Charlemagne stands in the Gothic choir and draws pilgrims who have traveled to this site for centuries. The treasury displays liturgical vestments, reliquaries, and manuscripts that were once used during coronation ceremonies.
The cathedral sits on Münsterplatz and is open daily to visitors, with quiet behavior expected during services. Guided tours allow access to areas that are otherwise not freely accessible.
The bronze pinecone in the atrium is an ancient Roman work that Charlemagne brought from Italy. The throne of the emperor on the upper floor consists of simple marble slabs and was used for coronations over centuries.
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