Architectural Heritage of Aachen

Aachen’s architectural landscape reflects its status as the imperial seat of Charlemagne. This collection features the UNESCO-listed Aachen Cathedral, a masterpiece of Carolingian and Gothic design, alongside the 14th-century Gothic Town Hall built on the foundations of the Palatine hall. The list highlights surviving medieval fortifications like the Marschiertor and Ponttor, the Neoclassical Elisenbrunnen pavilion, and the Art Nouveau Elisabethhalle. From the 13th-century roots of the Grashaus to the Baroque interior of Theresien Church, these landmarks document over a millennium of European history.

Architectural Heritage of Aachen — Map

Unknown / Public domain

A

Aachen Cathedral

You should definitely not miss a chance to visit one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe.

Berthold Werner / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Aachen Town Hall

Situated directly opposite the city cathedral, this no-less-imposing Gothic building is home to the city council as well as the mayor of…

Norbert Schnitzler / CC-BY-SA-3.0

C

Treasury of Aachen Cathedral

Artworks, liturgical items, reliquaries and a collection of textiles - all of these can be seen in the permanent and temporary exhibits of…

Geolina163 / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Elisa Fountain

A Neoclassical pavilion where you can find a fountain with healing thermal water accessible to the public. Why not taste it?

unbekannt, nicht verzeichnet / Public domain

E

Theatre Aachen

Theater Aachen is a theatre in Aachen, Germany. It is the principal venue in that city for operas, musical theatre and plays.

Geolina / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Marschiertor

This is one of the two gates of the original city wall. It is also said to be one of the greatest gates in west Europe.

Norbert Schnitzler / CC-BY-SA-3.0

G

Ponttor

The Ponttor in Aachen, Germany, is one of the two remaining gates of the original city wall of Aachen.

א (Aleph) / CC BY-SA 2.5

H

House Löwenstein

This is one of the few Gothic buildings which survived the great fire in 1656. It was named after the first known owner, Anna Löwenstein.

Geolina163 / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Katschhof

This popular square is a place where flea markets, concerts, and festivals often take place. The Christmas market attracts people from afar.

Geolina163 / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Grashaus

Built in the mid-13th century, this is one of Aachen’s oldest buildings and served as the city’s first town hall. Its facade features historical statues representing the seven electors.

CherryX / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Karl's Fountain

Situated right in front of the town hall, this is the oldest fountain in the city.

Wi1234 / CC-BY-SA-3.0

L

Elizabeth Hall

Don't miss the opportunity to go for a swim in one of the last indoor swimming pools built in Art Nouveau style, decorated with fountains.

Euku / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

Theresien Church

The Baroque catholic church built in 1739 was devoted to Saint Teresa of Ávila. The interior has great musical acoustic properties.

Dennis1980 / CC-BY-SA-3.0

N

Holy Cross Church

Many art treasures can be seen in this Neo-Gothic church, for instance a silver chalice, monstrance in the Rococo style or two reliquaries.

Geolina163 / CC BY-SA 3.0

O

St. Jakob Church

The largest church in the city built in Neo-Romanesque style comes from 1886. Its dominant is the 87 metres high west tower.

Norbert Schnitzler / CC-BY-SA-3.0

P

Lavenstein

A round defensive tower constructed between 1300 and 1350 as part of Aachen’s outer city wall. It remains one of the few surviving elements of the medieval fortifications.

Other Lists

Aachen Essentials Aachen Museums & Heritage Historic Churches of Aachen