Interiors of Aachen Cathedral: Stunning Mosaic Decorations
Unbelievable! The dull exterior of Aachen Cathedral has such GRAND interior! It was a stupefying moment! It was dark inside but the glitter of the gold and all that colorful mosaics pierced through, dispelling all the darkness.
The cathedral is a mix of different architectural styles. Oldest part, that is the Palatine Chapel, was built in byzantine style. The nave, built 600 years later, is Gothic. Priceless mosaics of byzantine times still intact.
Aachen Cathedral and Aachen Cathedral Treasury together is the first German site to make entry to UNESCO World Heritage list in 1978. We toured around inside the dom. It is truly an architectural gem!
Before the tour of interior do read: Wolfstur, the Great Bronze Portal of Aachen
Aachen Cathedral Interior
There are 2 levels in interior of Aachen Cathedral. Upper church was linked by a passage to Charlemagne’s palace complex which was on the location of the present Rathaus. This second level with the throne of Charlemagne (and the choir) can be seen on a guided tour. Most of the lower floor is freely accessible to all visitors. Throne of Charlemagne is in the upper floor.
Charlemagne’s Throne – the original one from 800AD. Steps leading to the seat are recycled pillars from Jerusalem
Most of these mosaics, flooring with patterns made of colourful marble and wall panels are new made during the years 1880 to 1913.
Relics in Aachen Cathedral
Charlemagne, who built this cathedral, had collected a variety of relics during his lifetime. These are kept in Aachen cathedral, in the treasury. These relics attract swarms of Christian pilgrims from around the world.
The four most important relics are:
- the cloak of the Blessed Virgin
- the swaddling-clothes of the Infant Jesus
- the loin-cloth worn by Christ on the Cross
- and the cloth on which lay the head of St. John the Baptist after his beheading
Grand Interiors of Aachen Cathedral Germany
Octagonal Dome
Stepping inside the sight of octagonal dome with superb mosaics stunned us.
The central vault is beyond the word mesmerizing, our gaze remained glued upwards. I took several pictures of the mosaic lined interior of the octagonal dome.
Original mosaic designed by Jean-Baptiste de Bethune, Bruges is lost. The new one is said to be similar to that depicting biblical vision of the four and twenty elders paying homage to Christ.
The image in the center is of beardless Christ enthroned inside a mandorla (almond-shaped nimbus), who gives a blessing, holds a cross with one hand and holds a book in the other.
New mosaics laid during reconstruction were a modern creation in neo-Byzantine style, designed by Hermann Schaper, Hannover.
Stunning Mosaics
Here is how close I could get to the mosaic designs in the ceiling of Aachen Cathedral, one of the shiniest cathedral of Europe.
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- 4 rivers from Garden of Eden
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- Mosaic design of Tigris
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- Mosaic patterns
Pala d’Oro in Aachen Cathedral
The main altar is decorated with a magnificent golden frontal known as the Pala d’Oro. It faces the Octagon and dates from about 1000 AD. It has 17 gold panels, one of the most photographed item in Aachen Cathedral Interior.
Pala d’Oro – a golden altar frontal.
Colorful Patterned Marble Flooring
The old floor decoration of Octagon was made of colorful antique marble, but only a few remnants of this have survived. The floor was re-laid with lovely patterns, but too many feet on them and I found it hard to capture the patterns.
Stained Glass Windows
The walls are filled with thirteen colorful stain glass windows, each huge in size depict various stories.
Most of the original glazing got destroyed during World War II. The ones you get to see in the gothic sanctuary, the 84 ft tall stained-glass windows were designed by Walther Benner and Anton Wendling. The present ones date to 1950s.
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Magnificient! I did not know such relics exists, wish the could display it.
You blow me away. These are beautiful shots.
Ornate, beautiful and splendid architecture !
Wow! beautiful
thanks for sharing and visiting my blog
What can I say, but "simply stunning"!
Lovely works of art, great photos.
Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures of the interior of this magnificent cathedral. Everything about it is stunning.
Magnificent! Y cannot believe how much stained glass there is! And so much gold!
Huge and beautiful. A little neck ache gazing upwards for a long time will be worth it for me.
Amazingly captured. The architectural marvel, I loved those painted glass windows.
They don't build churches with such high stain windows anymore.
Glorious shots of the beautiful cathedral.
Beautiful! I love places of worship and this one is so special.
Stunning!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
overwhelming!
What a truly stunning place to visit! I love the stained glass windows!
Deliciously beautiful these perspectives, I love the delicacy of these photos, very good.
Wow – just fabulous!
What a privilege to view relics from Charlemagne's time. Aachen Cathedral definitely deserves its status as a World Heritage site. Although I've never seen the cathedral, I suspect you have done it justice with your stunning photographs.
You always find interesting places to show us, Indrani
Great post, Indrani, magnificent interiors of Aachen Cathedral.
Magnificent photos, Indrani! There is so much to see in this very famous and historic cathedral.
so beautiful! wonderfully captured!
What an incredible, gorgeous and historic church! Your captures are superb as always, Indrani, and thank you so much for the history as well! Terrific post for the day!
Sylvia