In the middle of the German city of Aachen, which borders Belgium and the Netherlands, there is a majestic structure - Aachen Cathedral, built over a millennium ago and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Over the years, the church has been reconstructed and restored more than once. The Chapel of Charlemagne in Aachen, part of this architectural complex, is the only building that has survived to this day, practically intact. In your travel plan in Germany, you should definitely include this attraction, which became one of the first sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978.
Period and history of construction
There is no exact information about the years in which the chapel was built. It is only known that in 786, for the construction of the chapel, Charlemagne brought marble from Italy with the permission of Pope Gadrian.
This suggests that the project of the palace church was implemented in 790-800, during the reign of the Carolingians. The baptism of the chapel took place in 802, and according to some sources, in 805. It is assumed that the event took place on the day of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which at that time was celebrated on July 17.
For the construction, Charlemagne invited Roman and Byzantine craftsmen. The octagonal building has symmetrical edges and a dome, in which elements of early Byzantine architecture are visible.
The chapel is over 30 meters high.
Initially, the building was connected to the imperial palace by a long covered gallery, which turned the complex into an ensemble of palaces and temples. Later, the palace fell into desolation and was destroyed, and the cathedral was reconstructed and expanded several times, and only the chapel retained its original appearance.
The Chapel of Charlemagne gave Aachen its French name - Aix-la-Chapelle.
Chapel exhibits and relics
The Aachen Chapel is famous not only for its history. This is a place where thousands of pilgrims come, because a large number of Christian relics are kept in the palace church.
The main exhibit of the chapel, conveying the power of those times, is the marble throne of Charlemagne, on which the ruler himself once sat.
The walls of the Chapel of Charlemagne preserve the linen dress of the Virgin Mary, the diaper of the infant Christ, the veil on which John the Baptist was beheaded, the bloody bandage and leather belt of Jesus Christ, the woven belt of the Virgin, as well as a part of the rope with which Christ was tied during the whipping.
Days and hours of visits
The Aachen Chapel is open every day throughout the year. The entrance for visitors is free.
Opening hours from November to March - from 7.00 to 18.00, from April to October - from 7.00 to 19.00.
You can visit the Palace Chapel not only on your own, but also with a guide. From Monday to Friday, excursion groups are recruited every hour from 11.00 to 13.00, as well as from 14.30 to 17.30.
On weekends, excursions are organized every hour from 13.00 to 17.00.
The cost for adults is 4 euros, for children and seniors - 3 euros.
There are no guided tours on Catholic holidays, but an audio guide can be used during this time. The price for the service is 6.50 euros for adults and 5.50 euros for children.
It should be borne in mind that excursions are conducted in German, however, sightseeing walks are held in English every day at 14.00.
How to get to the chapel
Getting to the chapel from European capitals will not be difficult. Thalys high-speed trains run to Aachen from Paris, Brussels, Cologne and Amsterdam.
The trip from Paris to Aachen will take less than 3 hours, from Brussels - about an hour, from Cologne - 40 minutes.
It is also easy to get to Aachen from other cities in Germany: trains of the German company Deutsche Bahn run from Essen, Duisburg and Dusseldorf.
Tourists who have come to Aachen will find it easy to find the location of the Aachen Chapel. The attraction is located in the city center, walking distance from the train station will take 15-20 minutes.
In conclusion
The Chapel of Charlemagne in Aachen is the oldest architectural monument, which is filled with the atmosphere of the majestic time of the Roman Empire. This place is a must-see for those traveling in Germany and Europe to delve into history and become part of a bygone era.
