We had just one day in Aachen, and we made it count. In that short time, we saw Charlemagne’s shrine, golden reliquaries, a chapel of glittering glass, an ancient throne, and treasures beyond imagination.
We focused on the one thing you absolutely must do if you only have a day in Aachen: the awe-inspiring Aachen Cathedral, final resting place of Charlemagne (aka Charles the Great, Carolus Magnus, and to the Germans, just plain “Karl”), and its min-blowing treasury.
A Personal Connection to Charlemagne
In my family, we call him (tongue-in-cheek) Grandpa Charlie. We can trace our ancestry directly to him. Before you get impressed, though—if you’re of European descent, you’re probably related to him too.
“In 2013, geneticists Peter Ralph and Graham Coop showed that all Europeans are descended from exactly the same people. Basically, everyone alive in the ninth century who left descendants is the ancestor of every living European today, including Charlemagne…”
– The Guardian
It’s fascinating—and slightly horrifying. Because like many powerful historical figures, Grandpa Charlie had a dark side.
f the ancient world, Grandpa had a dark side.
Charlemagne’s Legacy: Scholar, Warrior… Mass Murderer?
Charlemagne “united” Europe, but let’s be clear: it was at the business end of a sword. He spread Christianity through vast regions by forcing conversions under threat of death.
The Massacre of Verden is a particularly grim example—he ordered the execution of 4,500 pagan Saxons who refused to convert. Eventually, Northern Italy, Bohemia, Bavaria, Croatia, Belgium, Austria, France, and Germany all fell in line: convert or die.
But he wasn’t just a warlord. As Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne was a patron of education and culture. He launched the Carolingian Renaissance, advocated for learning, and standardized writing with the development of Carolingian minuscule, the script that evolved into modern European typefaces.
Aachen Cathedral: A 1,200-Year-Old Marvel
Aachen Cathedral is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Built around 800 AD, it’s a place where Roman columns, medieval artistry, and 19th-century mosaics merge in one dazzling and dizzyingly beautiful whole.
As you stand there, it’s easy to see how even Albrecht Dürer, master of the Northern Renaissance, was completely captivated by it.
“Since I have seen every royal marvel, I know that no-one living has seen a more marvelous thing.” – Albrecht Dürer, 1520
And that was before the six-million-piece mosaic ceiling!
If you are interested in more about Albrecht Dürer’s legacy and history, check out: 10 Best Albrecht Dürer Sites in Nuremberg: A Guide to His Legacy
Don’t Miss
- The Octagon – the heart of Charlemagne’s Palatine Chapel, built using Roman spolia (recycled architectural elements)
- The Shrine of Charlemagne – built in 1215 and still holding most of his remains
- Charlemagne’s Throne
- The Ceiling Mosaics – added in the 1880s and absolutely breathtaking
- The Roman She-Wolf at the entrance
- The incredible original bronze doors
- The Shrine of Otto II, Holy Roman Emperor
- The Mary Statue (1300s) – regularly dressed in fine garments donated by the faithful
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Charlemagne’s Throne: Simple, Stark, and Powerful
One of the most awe-inspiring artifacts in Aachen is also the most humble: Charlemagne’s throne. Made of recycled marble slabs around the year 800, it was used in the coronations of more than 30 kings and 12 queens.
Even Napoleon visited in 1804 and refused to sit on it, out of respect. Yes, it even humbled Napoleon!
During WWII, the throne was wrapped in tar paper and buried in sand to protect it. You can still see the stains, but it survived. The original floor beneath it (including some rare marble slabs from Egypt!) also remains intact.
The Treasury: Aachen’s Hidden Gold Mine
Next door, the Aachen Cathedral Treasury is a must-see. It houses:
- A reliquary bust of Charlemagne (with a visible piece of his skull!)
- A gold cross worn by Charlemagne himself
- The Emperor’s right forearm in a golden arm-shaped reliquary, his leg, and also a tooth in their own golden reliquaries
- The Persephone Sarcophagus – his original hand-picked 3rd-century marble tomb where he was originally entombed
Fun fact
Charlemagne stood over 6 feet tall—an absolute giant for his time. He chose a Roman sarcophagus big enough to fit him, but was later moved to a flashier model inside the cathedral.
Don’t forget to swing by the gift shop. We picked up Charlemagne gin and vodka—and they’re surprisingly excellent!
✅ Bonus: Top-Rated Tour Option: Want Context While You Walk?
Check out Aachen’s highest rated 1-hour tour with an English speaking guide!
Don’t Leave Without Trying Aachen’s Famous Printen Cookies
No trip to Aachen is complete without Printen—spicy, crunchy gingerbread-style cookies. The best bakery is just steps from the cathedral.
Go for the traditional versions topped with nuts—or splurge on the ones dipped in chocolate.
Why One Day in Aachen Is Worth It
Aachen is a bit off the beaten path, but worth every step. From Roman ruins and medieval grandeur to relics of a man who shaped Europe, this city packs a millennium of history into a walkable old town.
You don’t need a week here—but you’ll remember your one day in Aachen forever.
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