Aachen Christmas Markets

The city of Aachen, located near the borders with Belgium and Holland, is the ancient imperial capital of the Holy Roman Empire, made famous by Charlemagne and Frederick Barbarossa. The cathedral of the city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. Among the historic buildings of value, the best known is the Aachen Cathedral, built starting from the time of Charlemagne, who at the end of the 8th century had the Palatine Chapel erected, the first nucleus of the cathedral. In later periods the building was enlarged and is today a medley of styles representing the eras of successive additions. Between 936 and 1531 the great cathedral was the site of the coronation of more than 30 German kings, as well as being the burial place of Charlemagne. Among other things to visit inside the cathedral is the famous Treasury of Aachen Cathedral which preserves unique pieces of sacred art ranging from the ancient to the Carolingian era, up to later periods, among the most valuable pieces are the “Cross of Lothair”, the “Bust of Charlemagne” and the “Persephone sarcophagus”. The Aachen Christmas Market takes place in the historic Marktplatz, it is an enchanting Christmas Market where it is possible to taste the typical and unique gingerbread of Aachen the “Aachener Printen”.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN AACHEN

1) Aachen Christmas Market (Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt). The market is usually set up between the market square (Marktplatz), the cathedral and the town hall (Rathaus) the Aachen Christmas Market is full of stalls, lights and music. Here you can enjoy mulled wine, Aachen gingerbread (Aachener Printen) and Christmas sweets such as Spekulatius and marzipan (Marzipanbrote) and other German culinary specialties. The Aachen market is usually made up of over 120 wooden houses that occupy the most suggestive areas of the historic center of the city.