Back with a travel post! This is one that has been sitting in my draft folder for a while now. Well, maybe a little more than a while… this was a trip I took back in Easter 2017. I contemplated binning it for something newer, but these photos are too pretty to throw away. Plus Aachen is a timeless city with architecture dating all the way back to the Middle Ages.
Every year, my aunt Cissy spends some time in Belgium for work and she would always visit me when she was in Europe. A few years ago, we decided that it would be fun for me to join her in Brussels, and from there on we could head to Germany for a few days.
We ended up spending a couple of days in Cologne, but before that we decided to stop by a beautiful German city situated right by the Germany-Belgium borders.
Aachen is a city packed full of religious and cultural heritage. The first Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne (also known as the “Father of Europe”) chose Aachen as his imperial residence at the start of the 9th century, laying down rich Roman Catholic roots in the city.
Modern-day Aachen has since developed into a science, engineering and information technology hub.
Outdoor restaurants and bars in the city centre were bustling with tourists and locals alike when we arrived on a sunny Saturday afternoon.
After dropping off our luggage at our hotel, we took a stroll around the historic town centre.
Passing by colourful houses and shops.
While catching a glimpse of the stunning Aachen Cathedral in the backdrop.
Easter decorations filled every corner (or window display) of the town.
We made our way past the market square.
Until we reached the Aachen Town Hall, a prominent cultural landmark of the city.
The Town Hall features magnificent rooms and parlours showcasing the history of Aachen.
Where portraits of Napoleon, his spouse Josephine, and those of Europe’s oldest diplomats could be seen across the walls.
The ark staircase leads to the Coronation Hall, one of the largest in Europe.
The town hall boasts magnificent views of the Cathedral and courtyard behind it.
Making our way back down the staircase and out of the Town Hall.
And stumbling into one of the most beautiful (and oldest) cathedrals in Europe.
The Aachen Cathedral was constructed by order of Charlemagne. He was ultimately buried there in A.D. 814.
We stared in awe of the gold and blue mosaic tiles while they glistened under the sunlight.
A jaw-dropping interior fit for the coronation of thirty-one German kings and twelve queens from 936 to 1531.
It was near sunset when we decided to visit one last spot before the city closes for business for the day.
Wandering through the old town again.
And passing by more cute shops and fountains.
Before we reached the Aachen Domschatzkammer (Cathedral Treasury)!
The Cathedral Treasury houses one of the most important collections of medieval church artefacts and relics in Europe.
The Aachen Cathedral, together with the Treasury were among the 12 heritage sites named in the first version of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1978.
And it was no surprise.
We walked by collection after collection of treasure.
The sun was down and it was time for some dinner.
And a delicious cold glass of beer or two! (We were in Germany after all!)
Aachen continued to shine in the dark under the streetlights while the locals head home.
As we made our way back to our hotel, dreaming of royalty and cathedrals that night.
♡
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