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Archaeological Window: A Glimpse into Aachen's Past

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Discover Aachen's ancient roots at the Archaeological Window, a captivating glimpse into the city's layered past on Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz.

The Archaeological Window in Aachen offers a fascinating peek into the city's layered history, showcasing remnants from the Neolithic period to the late Middle Ages. Located on Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz, this preserved excavation site reveals structures and artifacts discovered during work on the Elisengarten, providing insights into Aachen's rich cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Archaeological Window

  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to best view the archaeological finds, as the site is open-air and relies on natural light.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the Elisengarten park for a relaxing break after exploring the historical site.
  • Check out the Route Charlemagne website for more information on the historical significance of the site and related attractions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Aachen Cathedral, walk approximately 5 minutes to Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz. The Archaeological Window is located adjacent to the Elisenbrunnen. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus to the 'Elisenbrunnen' stop, which is served by multiple bus lines. From there, the Archaeological Window is a short walk away. A single bus fare within Aachen typically costs around €2.80.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Aachen Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz will take approximately 5-10 minutes and cost around €10-€15.

Discover more about Archaeological Window

The Archaeological Window, situated on Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz in Aachen, provides a captivating look into the city's historical depths. This unique site preserves a 60-square-meter excavation area, revealing settlement structures spanning from the Neolithic period (4700 BC) to the High and Late Middle Ages (910-1500 AD). During archaeological excavations in the Elisengarten, remarkable discoveries were made, showcasing essential periods of Aachen's history. The Archaeological Window displays these finds, including flints, medical tools, and bone combs, offering tangible evidence of Aachen's long and varied past. The site has become a starting point for guided city tours and is part of the Charlemagne Route. The structure housing the Archaeological Window is itself noteworthy. In contrast to typical glass vitrines, a stainless steel construction encloses the excavation site, creating a public inter-zone that invites visitors to explore the city's history. This design allows for an engaging experience, blending the historical remains with the surrounding Elisengarten park.
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More about Aachen

File:AachenCathedral (Exterior of Aachen Cathedral) und links St. Foillan  (St. Foillan, Aachen) (im Vordergrund der Katschhof) 2022 in Aachen.jpg -  Wikimedia Commons

Discover Aachen: A historic gem in Germany, renowned for its UNESCO-listed cathedral, thermal springs, vibrant student life, and delicious Printen gingerbread.

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