Are you looking to explore the history of Aachen through the ages? There are a number of historical destinations in Aachen including the time-honored buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Aachen. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Aachen ‘s rich history.
If you are willing to have an in-depth historical information about Aachen, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical places in Aachen for a great trip!
Top Historical Places in Aachen
Let's witness the history of Aachen with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:
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Elisenbrunnen
(1082 Votes)
Aachen is famous for its thermal spas. This 266 feet long neo-classical building in 1827 – an open pillared hall, and two pavilions – in the centre of which are two drinking fountains that spout thermal water. Rich in minerals, the sulphurous water can be smelt far before you enter the beautiful building. Some truly famous people have drunk from here, and you can see their names in ...Read more -
Ponttor
(719 Votes)
This 14th century gate was manned by soldiers and militia throughout the times when Aachen was a Free Imperial City. Today it’s used by German Youth and Scout groups. There’s not much do here, apart from go through the arch, and admire the statue on top. Check out the portcullis. -
Elisabethhalle
(344 Votes)
Mere swimming pools don’t usually attract a lot of tourist attraction, but this one isn’t a mere swimming pool. It’s a 100 year old historic bath in a magnificent Art Noveau hall that evokes Germany in the 1920s. Curious effect? Yes. Effective? Very! Today it’s used by schools, sports clubs and the public! The highlights are: The Aesculap fountain. The Bathing Women rel...Read more -
Ludwig Forum
(529 Votes)
This is a museum of modern art in Aachen. It is located in an industrial building that once was an umbrella factory. It was built in 1928 in Bauhaus style. Some exclusive works stored here are American pop art and photorealism. It also exhibits the transformation and development of European art from 1960s till present day. Some of the permanent collection consists of artists such as Nam June Pa...Read more -
Rathaus
(943 Votes)
This wonderful stately palace was built to serve as both a centre for civic administration, and as a celebration hall for the German empire’s grandest festivals. Its renown was such that it became a model for many other Flemish halls. Destroyed by fire and also by bombing during WWII multiple times, it has always been reconstructed even more gloriously than before. Highlights are: The mu...Read more -
Marschiertor
(748 Votes)
This late 13th century gate was one of Western Europe’s most powerful city gates, and is only one of the two gates that survive from the original city fortifications. Over the years its been used as a soldier’s barracks, a homeless shelter, and a hostel. It’s one of Aachen’s oldest surviving structures. Check out the statue of the soldier sharpening the pencil in the fro...Read more -
There’s a whole history and legend involving this hill about devils, deception and the Aachen Cathedral and you should get a local to tell it to you. The very name of this hill (Lous means ‘clever’ or ‘cunning’ derives from that legend, after a trait of one of the characters. Today though, it’s just a great place for a hike. A paved path will take you from th...Read more -
One of the oldest and most prominent treasuries in the history of Europe, the place accommodates a vast and varied collection of Roman antics, dating as back as medieval period. The church artworks that have been kept here provide a thorough peek into the world of past Europe and its rich heritage. Controlled by Cathedral Chapter, it is a part of Roman Catholic Diocese of Aachen and has been on...Read more -
Architect Adam Franz Friedrich Leydel designed this historical fountain in 1825. The golden ladies sculpted on the obelisk glitter when the suns rays reflect on them. During the 14th century, the fountain’s location was a place where the city’s daily accounts were noted. For the next two centuries it was called ‘run well’. The fountain underwent an extensive renovation i...Read more -
The Dom Cathedral of Aachen is one of the most influential buildings in Europe – architecturally, historically and religiously. The great Emperor Charlemagne built it; he is buried here, along with many other later emperors and religious leaders. Some of Germnay’s most important historical treasures are contained within. Thirty of Germany’s kings were crowned inside this churc...Read more -
This creepy looking sculpture is one of Aachen’s most iconic symbols – it’s a calf with long, sharp teeth and scaly skin. It was said to haunt the city’s thermal baths and sewers, and prey on the drunk at night. Ask the locals about the legends that surround it. The original metal fountain was torn down in WWII, but this replacement sculpture was made in 1967. Water flow...Read more -
Ursulinerstrasse / Ecke Friedich Wilhelm Platz, 52062 Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyLandmark, Walking Area, Monument, Tourist Center
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Granusturm is a monument that was originally built as a portion of the imperial palace in Charlemagne. It has a stone attached to it, which is about 20 meters high, and the sides of the square are 8.85 meters in size. The monument has three floors and stairs in between the walls of the interior and exterior masonry. At present, the tower acts as a way of staircase, which leads to the ...Read more