Sightseeing in Aachen - what to see. Complete travel guide

This city was founded by the Romans who were attracted by rich deposits of minerals. For a long time it was just another industrial center, but during the times of Charles the Great the town became very popular and famous. King Charles gave Aachen many privileges and even made the city a residence of Frankish kings.

Aachen is very attractive for tourists due to wide selection of places of interest, ancient buildings and entertainments. Tourists can also enjoy various engaging excursions and sightseeing. Local Cathedral remains the main symbol of Aachen. This church is also present in the list of the world's heritage by UNESCO. This architectural treasure amazes not only by its size, but also by the luxury decorations and design of halls. The main hall of the cathedral is equipped by the magnificent chandelier. This chandelier is the gift of Frederick I Barbarossa. This church is in very good state and has everything remaining on its places. For example, tourists still can visit treasury or see the marble throne of Charles the Great. This is also the place where the sarcophagus with the remains of the great king is stored. This sacred place will be interesting not only from the point of terrific architecture, but also as a point of historic values as the relics kept here are museum exhibits of a great value.

One more sight that is worth visiting is located on the Market Square. Here you will find a gothic Town Hall built in the 14th century. Opposite to the Town Hall located Granusturm and the church of Maria and Holy Peter built in the 19th century. If you like museums, pay your attention to Suermondt-Ludwig Museum that features rich collection of sculpture and paintings. Here visitors will find works related to the 12th century and many exhibits from the Middle Age times. In Koofen museum you will see the collections of ancient furniture, other details of interior and fireplaces. Frankenberg castle is another reminder of the noble history of Aachen as Charles the Great lived here in the period of the city’s bloom. Now this place is occupied by the local historical museum. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The oldest house of Aachen — Löwenstein is located on one of the historical streets of the town opposite to the Town Hall. The house was built in 1344 (14-th century) and first owned by a wealthy lady Leve. Löwenstein was one of the few buildings to survive a heavy fire in the middle of the 17 century. There are a lot of gaps in the history of this building. Some suppose that it once was a venue for a wine restaurant. Today Löwenstein houses large offices and town archives. 

Burtscheid resort park is one of the main tourist attractions of the town. It was founded in 1609 when a new thermal spring was opened in one of the picturesque piedmont areas. The park bloomed in the early 19-th as a lot of boulevards and garden squares were opened here. The historical park is decorated with wonderful flowers and old fountains with sculptures. Today Burtscheid resort park is a constant venue for spectacular events as it was in the past. Open air concerts and dancing parties are performed here in warm seasons. 

Elisenbrunnen architectural complex (also unofficially known as Elise fountain) is of special interest in Aachen. This complex was built around a thermal spring and named after princess Elisabeth of Bavaria. The very first drinking fountain was built here in the end of the 17-th century. It was rebuilt several times and furnished with new extensions. Today the architectural complex includes a small exhibition hall where interesting cultural events take place. After visiting Elisenbrunnen one can have a walk in the surrounding park. 

Old strengthening structures, such as Marschiertor gates, are partly preserved on the territory of the town. The gates were constructed in 1257 and they are about 49 meters high. Marschiertor gates are two unassailable watchtowers surrounded by shared extension. Today archives and hall of arms are located inside these old historical facilities.