Aachen - the first capital of Europe and its golden relics

During the lockdown we went down the memory lane and computer photo files to bring back some memories of our past trips.  

A very short stay in Aachen in 2009 brought us face to face with the place that started the concept of Europe. Aachen could have been named the first secular capital of Europe, with Rome being the religious one.

Of course religion was at the heart of medieval Europe and Aachen cathedral (above) was at its centre. But before we reached the cathedral grounds we had a walk around.

The streets around the cathedral have still the old medieval layout and feel despite Aachen being heavily damaged during World War II. 

Many buildings guide us through history with different styles and designs. 

It is feels like being in a parallel Universes in the ancient cities of Europe. The old and new meet just a step away. And you can see that people had a quite different mindset, concepts and perception of the world, those few hundreds years ago. 

Aachen Cathedral (above) remained largely intact during the war fight; the city itself experienced destruction - in some areas almost complete. 

The courtyard of the Treasury (above, lower right, and below, right)

We were lucky to hit the right time as the cathedral and the Treasury were open for free to the visitors. We could explore the building inside-out without a hitch.

The manifestation of the perceptions and needs of medieval people lie in those massive and rotund walls - on one hand and on the other - their robust imagination seen in the elaborate carvings.

The celebrities of the day were kings and saints. Saints and kings. 

 

Statues of Charlemagne and Archangel Michael near the church St. Michael and St. Dimitrios.

The glorious king, Charlemagne united the tribes of northern Europe under the Christian banner, with faith and sword. The most celebrated of all angels, Archangel Michael was the hero to follow, slaying the dragon.

Saint Stephen looks at the miniature cathedral. He is the saint of builders.

The old gold guldens lie on the street, just pick it up. And fly away on a golden unicorn. Or touch a paw of the bronze beast for luck.

The all-seeing eye of God, gold and the bronze pine cone in the entrance hall; similar object is in Vatican city. This is not a well known symbol and many argue its mysterious provenience.

In the upper chamber of the gallery, Charlemagne's famous marble throne is housed.

The Emperor's throne was built in the tenth century. Aachen was the imperial residence of emperors from 936 with Charlemagne of the Frankish Empire, to 1531. Thirty one 31 Holy Roman Emperors were crowned here.

Aachen Cathedral was erected on the orders of Charlemagne and construction began in 796, completed in 798. It had been of course extended several times in later ages, but the cathedral builders are a thought-provoking lot. How did they do it with crude tools? The amount of work and splendour of the final effect is almost unbelievable, breath-taking. 

Breath-taking stained glass windows

After Frederick Barbarossa canonised Charlemagne in 1165 the chapel became a destination for pilgrims. Many sacred relics followed. All covered in gold. They are held in the Treasury.

Bust of Charlemagne. On his death, Charlemagne's remains were interred in the cathedral and can be seen there to this day. 

The Golden Arm of Charlemagne, 9th century origin. The ivory situla, a vessel for the holy water – made around AD 1000 in Trier.

Charlemagne's hunting horn fashioned from an elephant tusk and other precious objects.

 

The Aachen Treasury Gospels (left) is a parchment codex made at the court of Charlemagne. Aachen was an important site for the production of medieval manuscripts. 

Reliquary

The city is known by a variety of different names in other languages, Aquae Granni, Aquisgranum, Aken. The name Aachen means "river". 

Aachen developed from a Roman settlement and spa. The waters supposedly be of  healing quality. 

In the late 18th century Aachen lost its status as a free imperial city and declined grossly. The rediscovered reputation as a spa brought back some attention and money through the 19th century. 

The curious Circulation Of Money fountain was the last attraction we managed to see.