Aachen

Aachen is a place of empires. It all started with thermal springs and their appeal to the Romans was matched by their appeal to Charlemagne, whose name is linked with the city forever. The great warrior king left his mark in the shape of a magnificent church that took more than 1000 years to become a cathedral.

Medieval remains, mostly fortifications and churches, add to Aachen's attraction but Charlemagne's hall, the basis of today's town hall, and his Palatine Chapel are the chief magnets, along with the remains of the Frankish royal jewels and the royal shrine and throne inside the cathedral.