Aachen, Sept 12, 2018, Chris B

Bremen Train Station

Looking Around Aachen, Germany

Outbound to Leuven & Kiel, Day 15 of 24, Sept 12, 2018

By Chris B.  

We spent the last morning in Aachen Germany.  Some of us took in the sights we had missed in the last two days, e.g., museums, parks, and tours.  Helen and I walked to a highpoint to have a panoramic view of the city. 

Aachen - the trail to the top of the hill

Aachen - view from the top of the hill

We departed by train in the early afternoon for Bremen (see top photo).  On the way, we passed right by the magnificent Cololgne Cathedral.  As always, our Journey Coordinator booked a hotel only a six minute walk from the station, located across a small canal from the old town.  Perfect!

Stone carvings inside Bremen train station

Stone carvings inside Bremen train station

Too late to explore the city tonight.  Tomorrow, you will learn what we have discovered about this Free Hanseatic city dating back more than 1,200 years, as well as being the third most bike-friendly city in Europe.

In Friendship and Peace

Aachen, Sept 11, 2018, Terry P

Charlemagne - Aachen Cathedral Treasury

Sightseeing in Aachen

Outbound to Leuven & Kiel, Day 14 of 24, September 11, 2018
By:  Terry P

We are on our own for a few days before the Kiel Journey so several of us stopped in Aachen to see the sights of this historic town.

Ponttor Gate is one of only two Medieval stone gates still remaining in Aachen out of 22 original guarded entrances to the city. It was built in 1320 and has been nicely preserved.

Ponttor Gate

Ponttor Gate

Several of us visited the Town Hall which is also known as the Palace of Charlemagne. It was completed soon after his coronation as the “Holy Roman Emperor” in 800 AD. Paintings and displays tell the story of Aachen from its early days through WWII.

Aachen Town Hall

Aachen Town Hall

Fierce protectors

The highlight of the day was a guided tour of the Aachen Cathedral which was also built in the 9th century of stone and marble. Patterned after Byzantine churches in Ravanna, Italy, and the huge Santa Sophia dome in Constantinople, this smaller octagonal tower was the coronation site of Charlemagne and many subsequent emperors - including two women. It became a major pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages. Pilgrims viewed two large golden boxes in the church which contain Charlemagne’s physical remains as well as textiles associated with Christ. Pilgrims also wore smooth the marble steps leading up to Charlemagne‘s throne which  reportedly came from Jesus’ burial tomb in Jerusalem.

Charlemagne's Throne

Charlemagne's Final Resting Place

Some of us also visited the cathedral’s nearby Treasure House which displays many amazing riches from 800 AD through the 17th century. (See Charlemagne figure at top)

In Friendship and Peace

Leuven to Aachen, Sept 10, 2018, Helen F

[PHOTOS coming]

Leuven to Aachen

Outbound to Leuven & Kiel, Day 13 of 24, September 10, 2018
By:  Helen F

We said goodbye to our friends in Belgium.  10 of us took the train to Aachen, Germany.

Farewell at the Trier train station: PJ, Edith, Etienne, Ray, Griet, Chris, Emily, Michel

Last goodby through the train window: Michele, Etienne, Edith

Aachen

The throne of Charlemagne and other German monarchs.  Very rustic, but they say the marble was « taken » from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

I had fun exploring the whimsical public art here, and got the whole history lesson on Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor who was born here and was buried here in 814.  We toured the cathedral and saw where he and 31 German kings and 12 queens were crowned.

The cathedral was constructed between 768 and 800.  This dome is one of the oldest parts but the mosaics are modern — and stunning

The fountain is called « The Circulation of Money »

This evening Marty, Emily, Chris and I went to an a cappella concert in one of the churches.

In Friendship and Peace

Tags/Labels:  Belgium, Leuven, Aachen, Outbound