Aachen

 

Aachen was Charlemagne's preferred residence and is home to Aachen Cathedral, where 31 Holy Roman Emperors were crowned.

Work on the Cathedral begun in 796.

Charlemagne was buried here in 814.

Once Charlemagne was canonized in 1165, large amounts of pilgrims began visiting the Cathedral.

Many additions have been made to the Cathedral throughout the centuries. My favorite ornamentation were the Ravenna - influenced mosaics. 

The Cathedral has a well stocked treasury.

Quite the hand!

The Bust of Charlemagne, made in 1350 to house the top of his skull

The Cross of Lothair, made in the 1000s.

The back has a unique design as well.

The head of a cantor's staff from the 1400s

Another sumptuous reliquary

I lost track of what this was. The Cathedral has a lot of treasure.

St. Peter holding a link of his chain from while he was imprisoned in Rome.

Ancient locks used at the Cathedral

You can see the different architectural styles of structures added onto the Cathedral over the years.

What is a Cathedral without its gargoyles?

The rest of Aachen is also picturesque, including the Rathaus. 

The front of the Rathaus

There is a cute restaurant attached to the Rathaus in the old coach-house.

Some school kids were dressed up like they were from the 1600s or 1700s in the main square, and released balloons with notes tied to them.

Some school kids were dressed up like they were from the 1600s or 1700s in the main square, and released balloons with notes tied to them.

A strange fountain

I only go to Five Guys with ancient ruins in their bathroom.