Aachen

The “Dom” in Aachen is the oldest cathedral in Northern Europe. Charlemagne began the construction of the Palatine Chapel around 792. The cathedral was the site of ordination for 30 German Kings and 12 Queens. I was in Aachen in college and remembered the beautiful mosaic floors. I couldn’t find a good picture or the intricate tile work that adorns the floors and walls. If you look closely, you can see some of the tile in the picture with the Throne of Charlemagne. (right picture) The church also has amazing stained glass. However, Shrine of the Virgin Mary (bottom picture, gold box behind eagle) is probably the best know feature of the church. According to Wikapedia, “The Shrine of St Mary rests in the choir of the church and dates from 1220-1239. Adorned with the figures of Christ, Mary, Charlemagne, Pope Leo III and the Twelve Apostles, the shrine contains the four great Aachen relics: St. Mary's cloak, Christ's swaddling clothes, St. John the Baptist's beheading cloth and Christ's loincloth. Following a custom begun in 1349, every seven years the relics are taken out of the shrine and put on display during the Great Aachen Pilgrimage. This pilgrimage most recently took place during June 2007.” (Click on the pictures to enlarge them for more detail. )