Aachen City Hall: A Gothic Masterpiece

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Explore Aachen City Hall: a Gothic architectural marvel with centuries of history, coronations, and cultural treasures in the heart of Aachen.

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City Hall Aachen

Aachen City Hall (Rathaus), a prominent landmark in the heart of Aachen, Germany, stands as a stunning example of Gothic architecture with a rich history and cultural significance. Built in the 14th century on the foundations of Charlemagne's palace, it has served as a coronation site for German kings and a center of city administration.

A brief summary to City Hall Aachen

Markt, Aachen, 52062, DE
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Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

Visit the Coronation Hall to see where German kings held their festive coronation banquets.
Take a guided tour to learn about the City Hall's architecture and history.
Explore the White Hall to see the Baroque interior design.
Check out the statues of the kings on the Market side of the building.
Visit the museum inside the City Hall to view the imperial regalia replicas.

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Getting There

Walking

Aachen City Hall is located in the heart of Aachen's Altstadt (old city), easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Aachen Cathedral, walk across the Katschhof square towards the Markt (market square). The City Hall will be directly in front of you. Walking from the main train station (Aachen Hauptbahnhof) takes approximately 15 minutes.
Public Transport

Aachen City Hall can be reached by bus from Aachen Hauptbahnhof (main train station). Several bus lines stop near the Markt, including lines 11, 21, 25, 45, 51, 52, SB20 and SB63. Check the ASEAG website or the movA app for the most up-to-date schedules and connections. A single bus fare within Aachen is approximately €2.80.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Aachen, including at the main train station. A taxi ride from Aachen Hauptbahnhof to the City Hall will take around 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay approximately €10-15 for the ride.
Parking

Several car parks are located near Aachen City Hall. The Rathaus car park is located directly by the Rathaus, with access via Mostardstraße. Other nearby options include the car parks at Couvenstraße and EBV Carré. Expect to pay around €2.50 per hour for parking. Note that the Rathaus car park is undergoing renovation works until the end of 2026, which may affect availability.

Discover more about City Hall Aachen

Aachen City Hall is a captivating blend of Gothic grandeur and historical importance. Constructed in the early 14th century, the City Hall was built as a symbol of the city's civic freedom. The building stands on the foundation walls of the Aula Regia, the royal hall of Charlemagne's palace from the Carolingian period. The Granus Tower, dating back to Charlemagne's time, was incorporated into the City Hall's structure. Throughout the centuries, the City Hall has undergone several transformations. After a fire in 1656, the destroyed parts were rebuilt in Baroque style. In the 19th century, it was restored in a Neo-Gothic style, which aimed to recapture its original Gothic elements. The facade facing the market is adorned with statues of 50 kings, along with symbols of art, science, and Christianity. Inside, the Coronation Hall is a highlight, having hosted coronation banquets for German kings until 1531. Today, the City Hall houses a museum showcasing the building's history and art, including replicas of imperial regalia used in coronations. Visitors can also explore the White Hall, which reflects the Baroque design from the 18th century. The City Hall continues to serve as the residence of Aachen's mayor and city council, blending its historical significance with modern administrative functions.

Explore the best of what City Hall Aachen has to offer

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

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