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Aachen Cathedral tour with audioguide on mobile app

Marvel at Aachen Cathedral, Charlemagne’s resting place and a treasure trove of medieval history.

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( 16 reviews )

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Annulation gratuite

Annulez jusqu'à 2 heures avant la visite

Visite à pied par Tourific

Point de départ

Accès instantané à la visite

Highlights 


  • Stand beneath the octagonal Palatine Chapel where Charlemagne was crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

  • Discover how a small city became a center of medieval power, pilgrimage, and European politics.

  • Gaze at the dazzling mosaics and the golden Shrine of Charlemagne that still draws visitors after 1,200 years.

  • Know more about the secrets hidden by the architect in the Cathedral shape 

  • Uncover secrets of the Cathedral’s construction, legends about the Devil’s footprint, and royal ceremonies that shaped Europe.

Preview Stop

The Chess pieces surrounding the vessels
00:00 / 01:04
King Henry’s assertion of power was achieved by winning over the nobility rather than through a clear hereditary right or universal support from the dukes. During his reign, King Henry used the display of spolia to further reinforce his power and legitimacy. One such display can be seen on the pulpit. If you look around the panels with vessels, you will notice the chess pieces strategically placed to convey something about King Henry’s legitimacy to the throne. The arrangement of the chess pieces, with their alternating colors, is reminiscent of a chessboard, but the layout does not represent a realistic game. Three kings are positioned face-to-face in the uppermost and lowest squares, with other pieces like pawns, bishops, and castles arranged between them. For a better understanding of the placement, refer to the photos section. The kings are represented by “Kg.” This arrangement is interpreted as reflecting the tension between claimants to the throne. Given that Henry had to fight to secure his position as king, the chess pieces may symbolize the struggle for power and his triumph over rivals. Look up at the inscription above the top panel, and you should see the word “REX,” meaning ""king"" in English. The placement of two kings directly below this word in the pulpit’s inscription suggests a deliberate link between the chess pieces and Henry's status as king. Now look at the shrine behind the shine of the virgin Mary at the end of the choir. Play the next stop to know more about this shrine.
About this activity 

Free Cancellation 

  • Cancel up to 2 hours in advance for a full refund 

Valid 365 days 

  • Tour is valid for 1 year and can be used multiple times 

Language Options  

  • English | French | German | Spanish | Italian | Dutch | Polish | Russian | Portuguese

Duration  

  • 1 hour and 30 minutes

Itinéraire

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Download app for instant tour access

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Full Description
Experience the awe-inspiring Aachen Cathedral, Germany's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a self-guided mobile tour. Commissioned by Emperor Charlemagne, this architectural masterpiece features a stunning blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles.Uncover the rich history of the cathedral, its significance as Charlemagne's burial site, and the challenges faced during its construction. Discover the captivating legend of the devil's thumb, linked to its impressive bronze gate.Know more about the Shrine of Charlemagne and the Shrine of St. Mary, which house sacred relics of immense importance. Immerse yourself in the artistry of the frescoes and explore the hidden symbols within the architecture. Book your self-guided tour today and step into a world where history and legend come alive!
Important Information 


  • Instructions with link to app and how to access the tour will be sent to your email post checkout  

  • You can gain instant access to the tour by downloading the app and buying the tour on the app. 

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