Aachen Cathedral (Aachener Dom) became Germany’s first UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978, and after thirty years of visiting churches and cathedrals across Europe, it’s still one of the most remarkable I’ve stepped inside. Here’s my guide to visiting Aachen Cathedral, its history and what to see once you’re there.
Aachen Cathedral Opening Hours and Tickets
- Entry to the cathedral is free, and it is open Monday – Thursday, 11 am to 6 pm; Friday & Saturday 11 am – 1 pm (reserved for weddings in the afternoon) and 1 pm – 5.30 pm on Sundays. Check opening hours on the official website.
- Officially the cathedral doesn’t open to visitors until 11 am between Monday and Saturday, but I got in at 9.30 am on my first visit, when Mass wasn’t underway. It was blissfully quiet, with an organ playing somewhere above me.
- The Cathedral Treasury keeps separate hours and needs its own ticket. I’d build in time for it too, and it’s covered further down.
Charlemagne’s Vision for the Cathedral at Aachen
Aachen Cathedral was built for Emperor Charlemagne between 796 and 800 AD.
Also known as Charles the Great, he became King of the Franks in 768, King of the Lombards in 774 and Emperor of the Carolingian Empire in 800. Often called the “Father of Europe”, he unified the continent and laid the foundations for the Holy Roman Empire.
The cathedral was Charlemagne’s vision of a centre of power and spirituality made real, and the epicentre of the Carolingian Renaissance, a period of renewed cultural and intellectual life inspired by the classical past.
After Charlemagne died in 814, he was buried in the cathedral, making it a pilgrimage site. A magnificent 13th-century golden shrine in the choir houses some of his bones. The rest are distributed across Europe, many taken as good-luck trinkets by subsequent kings, and others kept in the cathedral’s treasury.
The 10th-century imperial throne overlooks the cathedral from the gallery, , and it’s only visible on a guided tour (more on that below).
Why Visit Aachen Cathedral?
Aachen Cathedral is the most recognised symbol of Occidental architecture in the world. It’s one of the most beautiful sacred spaces I have visited (and I’ve seen the mosaics of Ravenna).
The cathedral’s intricate mosaics shimmer in the dim light. Diffused rays of light streaming through stained glass illuminate its marble floor.
The cathedral was a work in progress for 1200 years, resulting in a palimpsest of architectural styles. It blends Romanesque, Gothic and even Baroque elements, each era leaving its mark
At the centre of it all is the Palatine Chapel, the oldest part of the cathedral and an ode to mathematics and geometry. This octagonal basilica soars to a height of 32 meters and is smothered with mosaics, creating a heavenly ascension effect.
The octagonal design was no accident. Charlemagne was a big fan of the number eight, the symbol of regeneration and the promise of eternal life in Christian numerology.
The Barbarossa Candelabrum hangs in the centre of the Palatine Chapel. This was donated in 1165 by Frederick I Barbarossa and represents the Holy City of Jerusalem.
Aachen Cathedral’s Gothic choir was added in 1414.
Dubbed the “Aachen glasshouse”, it contains 1000 square meters of stained glass, inspired by those at Saint-Chapelle in Paris. The windows tell biblical stories and the lives of saints, working as a kind of visual scripture for anyone who couldn’t read.
The Shrine of St. Mary in the choir houses the four great relics of Aachen: St. Mary’s robe, Jesus’ swaddling clothes, St. John the Baptist’s beheading cloth and Jesus’ loincloth.
These relics are displayed for ten days every seven years during the Aachen Pilgrimage. In case you’re interested, the next one is due to take place in 2028.
My Tips for Visiting Aachen Cathedral
- I strongly recommend joining one of the 40-minute guided cathedral tours. . Our guide brought plenty of dry humour along with the history, and a tour is the only way to see the imperial throne and the choir up close.
- Buy your ticket . Buy your ticket online or at Dominformation (opens at 10 am). There is one English tour each day at 2 pm.
- Pop a one-euro coin in the box as you enter to take photos. An information leaflet and map are also available for a nominal charge.
- If you’re planning the rest of your day, take a look at my guide to the best things to do in Aachen.
The Cathedral Treasury
The Cathedral Treasury is worth the small admission fee on its own. The collection spans three floors, though if you’re short on time, stick to the ground floor.
Look out for the Cross of Lothair and a reliquary bust of Charlemagne, home to more of his bones.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.