Aachen Throne

The Aachen Throne is a medieval seat in the cathedral's Palatine Chapel, made of limestone with marble slabs arranged in geometric patterns and lacking decorative elements or armrests. The piece displays a simple, functional form that reflects the craftsmanship of its era.

The seat served as a coronation throne between 936 and 1531 for 31 German kings and 12 queens of the Holy Roman Empire. During this period it became a symbol of imperial authority in one of Europe's most important churches.

The marble slabs come from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, linking royal power to spiritual meaning at this location. Visitors can see in this origin a connection between two religious worlds that meet in Aachen.

You can view the seat from the cathedral gallery, though direct access to it is not permitted. The clearest views come during quieter times when fewer visitors fill the church.

Napoleon visited the cathedral in 1804 and deliberately refused to sit on the throne, showing respect for its history. This gesture still underscores the object's exceptional importance in European history.