The Dom of Aachen and its treasure

The historic city centre of Aachen is very small, as with most medieval city centres, but the Dom and its treasury is worth a visit of a couple of hours.  The Dom is the historic chapel from Charlemagne's palace around 800. As a result, it is one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe and much dominated by Roman basilicas. 

 The centre is an octagon chapel, richly decorated by mosaics and pre-roman arches.  Later on a gothic choir with magnificent stained-in glass windows were added as well as more side chapels.  From the outside it looks like a group of towers and chapels glued together, which is in fact the reality.

The result is truly stunning and it's awesome to walk under the big chandelier, under the dome and realize that more than 30 German kings laid flat out on their stomach here to get crowned. What a historic place.

The Dom's rich history is also visible in the nearby Treasury that can be visited.  The entrance is paying (unlike the Dom itself) and once you pass the big vaulted doors, you can admire so many historic church treasures and an incredible amount of relics.  Charlemagne himself dominates some of the treasures, and his relics also have a special spot. 

I've seen a lot of religious art already before, but this richness displayed together here is truly impressive. 

Charlemagne, the emporer who united a bit part of Europe for the first time in the spirit of the Roman empire.  His clothes combine the French lilly and the German eagle.

Charlemagne's arm bones

An incredible treasure cross