Aachen!

 

 


Aachen, the seat of Charlemange!!!

Date - June 11, 1998

On June 11th, we took our first trip out of Dusseldorf. We took the train to Aachen. Not knowing much about the town before arriving, we were amazed at the history we had just stepped into. The first historical mention of the town was around 57 B.C. when the Romans started settling the valley because of the natural hot springs found here. During the latter 6th century, Charlemange ruled from here for his last 20 years.

 The most impressive feature of Aachen is the Domgruppe (Cathedral Complex) which includes Charlemagne's palace chapel. Also included in the complex is the Gothic choir hall, called the "Glass house of Aachen" with it's 27 meter tall windows, and the West Wing. While we were here and during subsequent visits, most of the complex always seemed to be covered by scaffolding.

During Sheena's long hours at work, Eddie always found Aachen to be a great place to escape to for a quiet coffee shop to sit and read.

 

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The photos below are from Eddie's excursion to Aachen (December 13) during the 1998 Weinachsmarkt (Christmas Market). As you can see, it was a mad house that Saturday with everyone buying last minute gifts!

The Christmas Market is held every year in the Marketplatz (Market Place ) and the Katschhof of the town. The Market Place is the highest point of the town and is shaped like a triangle. The gothic Rathaus (Town Hall), which you can see in the pictures,  was built in the 14th century on the same foundation of Charlemagne's palace building, which was built around 788 AD. 
Here you can see a view of the back of the Rathaus (Town Hall) from the Katschhof. Looking over the tops of the Weinachsmarkt in the Marktplatz at the rows of shops.
Here is another view of the Rathaus (Town Hall) from the Katschhof. The tower on the right is called the Granusturm, built in 788 A.D. as part of Charlemagne's palace. A view of the Weinachsmarkt in the Marktplatz on a cold snowy winter day.
A view of the typical Weinachsmarkt stalls that can be found all over Germany. Another view of the Weinachsmarkt.