Rathaus Aachen, the Townhall

The magnificent town hall with its grand interior, Aachen Rathaus, is definitely worth seeing as it is one of the oldest one, almost 1200 years old. This town hall of Aachen was built over the ruins of the palace of Emperor Carlus Magnus (Charles the Great).

The Rathaus of Aachen suffered damages due to fire and World War II but thankfully not completely destroyed. We visited this after the Aachen cathedral tour, and strolled around in the market place in front of this townhall.

Aachen Rathaus

Market Place Aachen

History of the Town Hall

In approximately 800 AD, Charlemagne (748-814) constructed an impressive palace complex in Aachen. Following his coronation in Rome, this palace not only became his preferred residence but also the recognized hub of imperial authority.

During that era, the northern boundary of the complex featured the King’s Hall, and it is upon the remnants of this structure that Aachen’s Town Hall was subsequently erected.

Fast forward several centuries; who would have thought the Aachen Town Hall (German: Rathaus) will continue serve as the guiding force behind the city’s future.

Facade Rathaus Aachen

The Emperor Karl

Tour through Rooms of Rathaus Aachen

Foyer

Upper Floor

• Master Craftsmen’s Court
• Ark Staircase
• Coronation Hall
• Granus Tower

Lower Vaulted Halls

• Council Hall
• Peace Hall (also known as Red Hall)
• The White Hall
• Master Craftsmen’s Kitchen

GRANUS TOWER AACHEN RATHAUS

The Granus Tower stands proudly as a testament to history. It is the oldest remaining portion of the former imperial palace, dates back to the late 8th and early 9th centuries.The tower was constructed in conjunction with Charlemagne’s King’s Hall.

The lower four storeys, which reach a height of approximately 20 m, have withstood the test of time, harking back to that remarkable era. However, the upper two storeys were added during the 14th century, showcasing a fusion of architectural styles across the centuries.

Granus Tower Aachen

Throughout its existence, the Granus Tower has endured the ravages of fire and war, with its spire often falling victim to destruction. But resilience has always prevailed, and the spire we behold today is a testament to this unwavering spirit.

In 1979, a new spire was erected, serving as a symbol of restoration and preservation, paying homage to the tower’s enduring legacy.

The Granus Tower stands tall; its foundations rooted in the distant past, while its spire reaches skyward, a testament to the resilience and perseverance of human endeavors.

FOYER AND ARK STAIRCASE

Foyer in Rathaus

On entering from the neo-gothic sandstone portal the first sight that greeted me was the majestic Ark Staircase, a remarkable architectural feat constructed in 1840. From the window I got splendid views of the awe-inspiring Aachen Cathedral, the walls on the sides had the rich history of the International Charlemagne Prize and its esteemed laureates.

Ark Staircase Pattern

Ark Staircase Rathaus

CORONATION HALL IN UPPER FLOOR

The Town Hall in Aachen boasts a remarkable feature that sets it apart from other town halls in the Holy Roman Empire. At its core lies a double-span hall, distinguished by its impressive dimensions and architectural elements. Spanning a length of 45 m and a width of 18.5 meters, this grand hall was completed around 1349 and stood as the largest secular hall in the entire empire during that time.

Coronation Hall Rathaus

Reaching the Coronation Hall, my attention is immediately drawn to two colossal murals adorning its walls, skillfully painted by Albert Baur during the years 1900 and 1901.

Fresco beside Ark Staircase – a mural by Albert Baur

To my left, I witness the citizens of Aachen solemnly swearing an oath to Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa, promising to construct a protective city wall. To my right, an intriguing scene unfolds, depicting the legend of Nero Caesar’s brother, Granus Serenus, as he discovers Aachen’s thermal springs. The vividness of these murals captivates me.

The Imperial Crown

MASTER CRAFTSMEN’S COURT

The Master Craftsmen’s Court is exquisitely beautiful, built in the remarkable Aachen-Liège Baroque style. This room holds a significant historical purpose, as it was once the place where clothmakers would present their products for inspection to a committee of jurors, the master craftsmen of the guild. Only after undergoing rigorous scrutiny would the bales be approved for export. A stunning portrait of Charlemagne, skillfully painted by J. Ch. Bollenrath in 1730, serves as a commemoration of those bygone times.

Master Craftsmen’s Court

PEACE ROOM in AACHEN RATHAUS

Peace Room, its name immediately draws my attention, referring back to the historic “Aachen Peace” of 1748. The negotiations to bring an end to the Austrian War of Succession were originally intended to take place right here. However, due to hierarchical disputes at the time, this room never fulfilled its intended purpose.

My gaze is drawn to four portraits adorning the walls, showcasing the participating envoys in all their glory within their original frames. These artworks truly capture the essence of the era.

If you are there look around to see the barrel vaults of the end walls that hold two exceptional masterpieces from the late Baroque period. They were painted around 1700 by the talented Marcantonio Franceschini.

Peace Room Rathaus

On the west wall, I saw the Pan offering wool to Diana, while on the east wall, the captivating scene of Alpheus and Arethusa unfolds before me. These paintings transport me to a bygone era, filled with rich symbolism and artistic finesse.

The intricate wood panelling that surrounds the room, crafted by Jacques de Reux back in 1730 adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space. This room carries a palpable sense of history and serves as a reminder of the complex negotiations that once unfolded within its walls.

Peace Room, also called Red Room

MASTER CRAFTSMEN’S KITCHEN

Master craftsmen’s Kitchen, this room too pays homage to Aachen’s traditional clothmakers’ guild, connecting it to the city’s vibrant history. The video wall in this room showcased film footage from the war-ravaged Aachen of 1944.

An interesting feature in this room is the fireplace, dating back to 1668. Its wrought brass design showcases the coat of arms of the mayor who held office during that time on the pediment. The frieze of the fireplace immortalizes two master craftsmen and two city architects, capturing their contributions to the fabric of Aachen’s history. On the cast iron plate, there is a depiction of Charlemagne accompanied by St. Mary’s Church and Aachen’s heraldic eagle.

Paintings on wall

• A magnificent portrait, painted by Anton von Werner in 1890, featuring Wilhelm I in front of the Town Hall
• Two paintings by Wilhelm Hensel, showcasing the parents of Wilhelm I, Friedrich Wilhelm IV, and Elisabeth of Bavaria

THE WHITE HALL

In 1727 this room was transformed into the small celebration hall of the Town Hall. Skilled Italian stucco artists created magic with intricate hand-modeled stucco work adorning the walls.

Walls of this room are adorned with six prominent portraits. These portraits depict the envoys representing the powers involved in the “Aachen Peace,” the resolution that marked the end of the Austrian War of Succession in 1748.

The White Hall with stucco work

COUNCIL HALL

The Town Hall has been the traditional workplace of the city council and the Lord Mayor, from 1349. There were just a few interruptions between 1943 and 1951 due to the war. Ceiling murals have renaissance era painting worth seeing. The wood panelling by master cabinetmaker Jacques de Reux from Liège, dates back to the Baroque renovation that began in 1727.

Council Hall

City Hall Aachen Tourism Information

TOUR TIME: Keep one hour to tour the grand interior
TIMINGS: Open everyday 10 AM to 6 PM
TICKETS: Adults 6 Euros, concession tickets at 3 Euros; free entry for all aged under 21
LOCATION: Marktplace Aachen, 4 minutes walking distance from Aachen Cathedral
HIGHLIGHT: Gothic-baroque town hall housing 1800s frescoes by Rethel & replicas of the imperial crown jewels.
ADDRESS: Markt, 52062 Aachen, Germany
GOOGLE COORDINATES: 50.77679680424241, 6.0837832

You will like these Town Halls of Europe:

• Town Hall in Arras France
• Leuven Town Hall Belgium
• Basler Rathaus, a Photo Essay

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