Aachen (formerly known by its French name of Aix-la-Chapelle), Germany's most westerly city and historically one of Europe's most important towns, lies near the Dutch and Belgian frontiers in a forest-ringed basin in the foothills of the Eifel and the Ardennes.
The hot brine springs of Bad Aachen are particularly effective in the treatment of gout, rheumatism and sciatica.
The equestrian stadium in the Soers district is the venue of international riding, jumping and driving tournaments, held every year.
History
Aquae Granni, the hottest springs in Europe (37-75 deg C/99-167 deg F), were already frequented in Roman times for their curative properties. In the Middle Ages Aachen was one of the leading towns in Germany, a frequent residence of the Frankish kings, a stronghold much favored by Charlemagne, and from the time of Otto I (936) to that of Ferdinand I (1531) the place of coronation of 32 German kings and the meeting-place of numerous Imperial Diets and church assemblies. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was the "watering-place of kings".
In Friedrich-Wilhelmplatz in Aachen is the Elisenbrunnen, the emblem of Aachen's role as a spa, with the drinking fountain and a colonnade designed by K. F. Schinkel.
6km/4mi southeast of the Aachen town center lies the suburb of Kornelimünster, with the Stefanskirche, which dates from Carolingian times, and an old monastery (14th-15th C. church).
Modern art pieces from around the world are displayed at the Ludwig Forum for International Art, designed in the Bauhaus style to resemble a train station.
Address: Ludwig Forum for International Art, Jülicherstrasse 97-109, D-52070 Aachen, Germany
Some 500m/550yds northeast of the Elisenbrunnen, in Aachen, is the Old Kurhaus, which now houses the New Gallery and Ludwig Collection (mainly 20th C. art; special exhibitions).
In the Marktplatz in Aachen is the Town Hall, built about 1350 on the foundations of the Carolingian imperial stronghold (helm roofs of towers rebuilt in 1979 to a design by Dürer), with its fine Coronation Hall (frescoes on the life of Charlemagne by A. Rethel) and copies of the imperial regalia (orb, sword, crown; originals now in Vienna). To the south of the Town Hall is the Katschhof, marking the site of the Carolingian palace courtyard.
Address: Aachen City Hall, Markt, D-52062 Aachen, Germany
Hours:
10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm
Tips: Guided tours available with reservation. Advanced reservations can be made at the tourist office.
Closed for special events.
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Aachen Cathedral
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