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Aachen Cathedral facts for kids

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Aachen Cathedral
Aachener Dom
Aachen Germany Imperial-Cathedral-01.jpg
The Cathedral in 2014
Religion
Affiliation Roman Catholic
Province Diocese of Aachen
Year consecrated 805
Location
Location Aachen, Germany
Architecture
Architectural type Cathedral
Architectural style Carolingian, Ottonian, Gothic
Groundbreaking 796
Specifications
Length 73 m (239 ft 6 in)
Width 56 m (183 ft 9 in)
Spire(s) 1
Spire height 72 m (236 ft 3 in)
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Criteria Cultural: i, ii, iv, vi
Inscription 1978 (2nd Session)
Area 0.2 ha
Buffer zone 67 ha

Aachen Cathedral (in German: Aachener Dom) is a very old Roman Catholic church in Aachen, Germany. It is one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe. A powerful ruler named Emperor Charlemagne ordered it to be built in 796. He was buried there when he died.

This amazing church became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. It was one of the very first places to get this special title.

The building shows off several cool types of architecture. The main part of the church, called the choir, is built in a Gothic style. The oldest part is a chapel built in a Carolingian and Romanesque style. There are also smaller parts that use an Ottonian style, like the area around the old throne.

What makes Aachen Cathedral special?

Aachen Cathedral is famous for many reasons. It was built by Charlemagne, who was a very important emperor. He wanted a grand church for his capital city. The cathedral was also a place where many Holy Roman Emperors were crowned.

A look at its history

Building the cathedral started in 796. It took many years to complete. Over time, different parts were added. This is why you can see so many different building styles. The original chapel was finished around 805. Later, the beautiful Gothic choir was added.

Charlemagne's resting place

Emperor Charlemagne died in 814. He was buried right inside his own cathedral. His tomb is a very important part of the church. It shows how much history is packed into this building.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1978, Aachen Cathedral was recognized by UNESCO. This means it is a place of great importance to all of humanity. It is protected so future generations can enjoy it. This was one of the first sites ever listed by UNESCO.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Catedral de Aquisgrán para niños

Images for kids

  • Aachen Cathedral, Germany

    Cathedral exterior

  • Aachener Dom Pfalzkapelle vom Münsterplatz 2014

    Exterior of the Palatine Chapel

  • Aix dom int vue cote

    Interior of the Palatine Chapel

  • Aachen Cathedral Octagon1

    Mosaics

  • Aachen Cathedral Octagon2

    Mosaics

  • Sarg Karl

    Shrine of Charlemagne (1215)

  • Aachen Domschatz Bueste1

    Reliquary bust of Charlemagne (treasury)

  • Lotharkreuz, Kaiserseite, Aachener Dom, Juni 2008

    Cross of Lothair (~ 1000) (treasury)

  • Statue of St. Stephen, in Aachen, Germany 01

    Statue of St. Stephen outside the Ungarnkapelle (Chapel of Hungary)

  • Aachener Dom BW 2016-07-09 16-20-40

    View of the Octagon

  • Aachen Cathedral Barbarossaleuchter 03

    The Barbarossa chandelier under the dome of the Octagon

  • AachenerDom1652PortalLoewe

    Lion head doorknocker of the Carolingian Wolf's Door

  • AachenCathedralMainPortalHDR.jpg

    Aachen Cathedral seen from the west

  • Aachener Dom bei Nacht

    View from west-south-west at night

  • Aachen - Pine cone detail

    Bronze pine cone in the entrance hall

  • Aachener Dom BW 2016-07-09 13-53-18

    Karlsthron (Throne of Charlemagne)

  • Barbarossaleuchter

    Barbarossa chandelier

  • Aachen cathedral 006

    Pala d'Oro

  • Aachener Dom - Aachen Cathedral

    Tower of Aachen Cathedral

  • Aachen Dom um 1900

    Aachen Cathedral c. 1900

  • Stamp Germany 2000 MiNr2088 Aachener Dom

    To celebrate 1200 Years of Aachen Cathedral in 2000, Germany issued these commemorative stamps

  • AC Dom Seismometer

    Seismometer of the seismological station in Aachen Cathedral

  • Aachen Dehio 1887

    Ground plan & cross-sections

  • Aachener Dom 1520

    Aachen Cathedral 1520, depicted by Albrecht Dürer

  • Aachen Dom 1.2

    Bronze model near the main entrance

  • Karlsschrein front side left

    Karlsschrein (between 1182 and 1215)

  • GrabOtto III

    Tomb of Otto III, Holy Roman Emperor (r.996-1002)

  • Adlerpult mit Fledermaus

    Eagle lectern with bat, 15th century

  • Aachen cathedral 007

    Marienschrein (1238), among the Aachen reliquaries.

  • Aachen Cathedral pulpit

    Ambon of Henry II on the south wall of the first choir bay

  • Chorhalle Orgel

    Organ

  • Aachen Dom 8.1

    Annakapelle (Chapel of St Anne)

  • Aachen cathedral south side

    Annakapelle on the left, Matthiaskapelle (Chapel of St Matthew) on the right

  • AachenerDomVomMuensterplatz

    Ungarnkapelle (Chapel of Hungary)

  • AachenerDomKapelle

    Chancel of the Nikolauskapelle (Chapel of St Nicholas)

  • AachenerDomNeueKapelle

    Allerheiligenkapelle (All Saints Chapel)

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