Aachen history

The history of Aachen is rooted in deep antiquity, and its formation is inextricably linked with key figures and events of European history.

Foundation and First Mentions

The origins of the city date back to the era of the Roman Empire. In the 1st century AD, the Romans founded a settlement here, attracted by the healing thermal springs. The settlement was named Aquisgranum, meaning "Waters of Grannus," in honor of the Celtic deity of healing whom the Romans identified with Apollo. The first written mentions of Aachen as a Frankish residence date back to 765.

Key Factors of Formation

The rise of Aachen began in the 8th century with the ascent of the Carolingian dynasty. A pivotal role in its destiny was played by Charlemagne, who turned the city into his main residence and the political center of the vast Frankish Empire. Charlemagne's choice was driven by several factors:

• Geographical location: Aachen occupied a strategically important place in the center of the empire.
• Thermal springs: The Emperor valued the local hot waters and built a palace complex with baths here.
• Political will: In the late 790s, Charlemagne made Aachen his winter residence, and in 807, the capital of the state.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Under Charlemagne, Aachen became not only a political but also a cultural center, the heart of the "Carolingian Renaissance." The Emperor gathered prominent scholars and architects at his court. The central structure became the magnificent Palace Chapel, consecrated in 805, which today forms the core of Aachen Cathedral. After Charlemagne's death in 814 and his burial in this chapel, Aachen secured the status of a sacred site for many centuries. From 936 to 1531, the coronations of most German kings and emperors of the Holy Roman Empire took place here, ensuring the city's high status and economic prosperity.

Key Dates in the History of Aachen

• 1st century AD — Romans found the settlement of Aquae Granni on the site of healing thermal springs.
• 765 — First written mention of Aachen in chronicles as a Frankish royal residence.
• c. 794 — Charlemagne makes Aachen his permanent winter residence, and later the de facto capital of the Frankish Empire.
• 814 — Charlemagne dies and is buried in the Palace Chapel, which is today the core of Aachen Cathedral.
• 936 — The coronation of Otto I in Aachen begins the centuries-old tradition of crowning German monarchs in this city.
• 1166 — Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa grants Aachen the status of a Free Imperial City, securing special privileges for it.
• 1353 — Construction of the Gothic City Hall begins on the foundations of Charlemagne's ruined palace.
• 1531 — The coronation of Ferdinand I takes place in Aachen, becoming the last for the city; subsequent ceremonies were moved to Frankfurt.
• 1656 — A devastating fire destroys much of the medieval city, after which its reconstruction in the Baroque style begins.
• 1794 — French revolutionary troops occupy the city, and it temporarily becomes part of France.
• 1815 — By decision of the Congress of Vienna, Aachen passes under the authority of Prussia.
• October 21, 1944 — Aachen becomes the first major German city taken by Allied forces during World War II.
• 1950 — The International Charlemagne Prize is established and awarded for the first time for contributions to European unity.

Major Stages of Aachen's Development

• Capital of Charlemagne's Empire (Late 8th – Early 9th Century)

  The transformation of the city into Charlemagne's main residence was a turning point in Aachen's history. Around 807, the Emperor made it the capital of his vast Frankish Empire. This choice turned the former Roman resort into a political and cultural center of Europe, which contemporaries called the "Second Rome." The construction of the grand palace complex with its unique chapel—the core of the future Aachen Cathedral—laid the foundation for the city's development for centuries to come.

• Center of Coronations (936–1531)

  For nearly 600 years, coronations of German kings and emperors of the Holy Roman Empire took place in Aachen. The tradition began with the ascension of Otto I in 936 and ended with the coronation of Ferdinand I in 1531. During this time, 31 monarchs were crowned in the city. Such high status ensured a steady influx of pilgrims, merchants, and nobility to Aachen, contributing to its economic prosperity and political influence.

• Decline and Baroque Revival (17th–18th Centuries)

  After the transfer of coronations to Frankfurt and the devastating fire of 1656, which destroyed most of the medieval buildings, Aachen lost its former political significance. However, thanks to its healing springs, the city was restored in the then-fashionable Baroque style and transformed into a popular balneological resort, attracting European aristocracy and even monarchs such as Peter the Great.

• Era of Industrialization (19th Century)

  With the transition under Prussian rule in 1815, a new era began for Aachen—it became an important industrial center. Textile production, metallurgy, and coal mining in the Ruhr basin developed actively here. A key event was the founding in 1870 of the Royal Rhenish-Westphalian Polytechnic School, now known as RWTH Aachen University, which remains the city's main scientific and economic engine today.

• Post-War Reconstruction and the "European Idea" (Mid-20th Century)

  Aachen was the first major German city taken by Allied forces in October 1944 and suffered heavily during World War II. Its post-war reconstruction symbolically coincided with the process of European integration. The establishment in 1950 of the prestigious International Charlemagne Prize for contributions to the unification of Europe cemented Aachen's modern image as a "City of Europe."

• Center of Science and Technology (21st Century)

  Thanks to the powerful base of RWTH University, Aachen has transformed into one of the leading innovation and technology hubs in Germany and Europe. The development of an extensive university campus, cooperation with hundreds of technology companies, and advanced research in fields such as mechanical engineering, IT, and medicine form the city's modern economy based on knowledge and high technologies.

Aachen's architectural appearance is a multi-layered book of history, where each era has left its unique mark. From majestic Carolingian structures to modern high-tech campuses, the city demonstrates continuous development and shifting styles spanning more than 1,200 years.

From Carolingians to Gothic: Formation of the Sacred Center

The foundation of Aachen's architectural heritage is the era of the Carolingian Renaissance. Central to this is Charlemagne's Palace Chapel, consecrated in 805—the core of the modern Aachen Cathedral. This unique octagonal building combines elements of Byzantine and ancient architecture, symbolizing the Emperor's desire to create a "Second Rome." In the Gothic era, majestic choirs were added to the chapel, creating an impressive contrast and the cathedral's recognizable silhouette. During this same period, in the 14th century, the City Hall was erected on the foundations of Charlemagne's palace—a striking example of Gothic architecture that became a symbol of municipal power.

Baroque Era: Rebirth in Splendor and Luxury

The devastating fire of 1656 destroyed much of the medieval buildings, which triggered a large-scale reconstruction of the city. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Aachen was reborn in the Baroque style and transformed into a fashionable European resort. The architecture of this period is characterized by opulence and elegance. Numerous urban mansions with richly decorated facades appeared, and the City Hall itself received Baroque elements after the fire. One of the best examples of this style is the Couven Museum, located in the former home of a wealthy pharmacist.

Prussian Classicism and the Industrial Age (19th Century)

With the transition under Prussian rule in 1815, Classicism established itself in the city's architecture. Its main symbol became the Elisenbrunnen pavilion (1827)—an elegant building with colonnades built for visitors to the healing springs. At the same time, industrialization led to rapid city growth. New residential quarters appeared, such as the Frankenberger Viertel, featuring architecture characteristic of the late 19th-century Historicism (Gründerzeit style).

From Modernism to Contemporary: Destruction and New Construction

Aachen suffered greatly during World War II, and its post-war reconstruction took place under the banner of Modernism. Alongside the careful restoration of historical monuments such as the cathedral and the City Hall, new functional buildings were erected. A key role in shaping the city's modern look is played by RWTH Aachen University. Its numerous buildings, constructed in different decades of the 20th and 21st centuries, represent an anthology of modern architecture—from strict modernist structures to the latest high-tech complexes, such as the University Hospital and buildings on the new campus.

Distinguished Figures in the History of Aachen

Aachen, having been a center of power, culture, and science for centuries, is linked to the names of many prominent figures. These individuals left a deep mark not only on the history of the city but also on all of Europe.

• Charlemagne (c. 747–814) — King of the Franks and Emperor of the West. It was he who turned Aachen into the capital of his vast empire and the cultural center of Europe. By his order, the famous palace complex with the chapel was erected here, which became the core of the modern Aachen Cathedral, where the Emperor was buried.
• Alcuin of York (c. 735–804) — Anglo-Saxon scholar, theologian, and poet. Charlemagne invited him to Aachen, where Alcuin headed the palace academy and became one of the main ideologues of the Carolingian Renaissance. His activities turned the city into a leading educational center of its time.
• Otto I the Great (912–973) — Duke of Saxony, King of Germany, and the first Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. His coronation in Aachen Cathedral in 936 began a centuries-old tradition—for nearly 600 years, Aachen was the place of coronation for German monarchs.
• Peter I the Great (1672–1725) — Russian Tsar and the first Emperor of All Russia. He visited Aachen twice (in 1697 and 1717) for treatment at the famous thermal waters. His visits contributed to the growth of Aachen's popularity as a balneological resort among European nobility.
• Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969) — World-renowned architect born in Aachen. One of the founders of Modernism and the "International Style" in 20th-century architecture, and author of the famous principle "Less is more." His innovative ideas had a huge influence on global urban planning.
• David Garrett (born 1980) — World-famous virtuoso violinist and composer born in Aachen. He is famous for his unique style combining classical music with rock, jazz, and folklore, making him one of the most vibrant modern representatives of the city's music scene.