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Town Hall · Aachen, Renânia do Norte-Vestfália
Aachen Town Hall
Gothic town hall built between 1330 and 1349 on the foundations of the hall of Charlemagne’s palace. In the coronation hall the feasts of the crowned kings were held and today the Charlemagne Prize is awarded there.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Aachen Town Hall
Aachen Town Hall stands on the north side of the market square, opposite the cathedral, across the Katschhof. It was built between 1330 and 1349 on the walls of the former hall of Charlemagne’s palace, the Aula regia. The Granus Tower dates from the Carolingian period and was raised during the Gothic reconstruction.
After each coronation in the cathedral, the kings proceeded to the upper-floor hall where the banquet was held. This took place from 936 to 1531. Today the coronation hall displays replicas of imperial insignia, such as the crown, the sword and the evangeliary, and it hosts the annual awarding of the International Charlemagne Prize.
The building suffered a major fire in 1656, received Baroque interiors, was restored in a neo-Gothic style in the 19th century and rebuilt after the damage of World War II.
Since 2009 the town hall has been one of the stops on the Route Charlemagne, the route through the city’s historic places, and the historic rooms are open to visitors.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to one hour; the guided tour lasts about one and a half hours.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon. The town hall may close for official events; check before you go.
How to get there
It is on the market square (Markt) in the historic centre, about a two-minute walk from the cathedral via the Katschhof.
Tip
On the square in front of the town hall is the Charlemagne fountain (Karlsbrunnen). For a view of the entire façade, look at the town hall from the opposite side of the square.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Aachen Town Hall
What is the coronation hall of Aachen Town Hall?
It is the upper-floor hall where, from 936 to 1531, banquets were held after coronations in the cathedral. Today it displays replicas of the imperial insignia and hosts the annual Charlemagne Prize ceremony.
Is Aachen Town Hall from Charlemagne’s time?
Partially. The Gothic building was erected between 1330 and 1349 over the walls of Charlemagne’s palace hall, and the Granus tower dates from the Carolingian period.
Can you visit Aachen Town Hall interior?
Yes. The historic rooms are open to visitors, either self-guided or with a guided tour, except on days with official events. Check before you go.