Aachen, located in western Germany and bordering Belgium and the Netherlands is a city which has played a fundamental role in the development of not only German, but of European civilisation.
As the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne's imperial capital, Aachen has a historical pedigree that can be felt to this day. Indeed, as a result of Aachen's historical significance it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Romans first settled around Aachen for its hot springs, which reportedly have therapeutic properties. Today, the hot spring water is used for bathing or drinking cures, while the city boasts four spa hospitals at which you can be treated.
But the town itself is the highlight of a trip to Aachen. On the site of the former imperial palace, visitors will now find Aachen Cathedral and the historic town hall.
Today's gothic Town Hall was constructed at the beginning of the 14th century on the foundations of the original Palace, which had been destroyed. The Town Hall contains the 'Coronation Hall' where the copies of the imperial orb, the imperial sword, the holy lance as well as the Bag of St Stephen and the Sabre of Charlemagne can be seen. In the Cathedral's middle aisle the so-called 'Emperor's Throne', the throne of the German kings, can be seen, while the cathedral treasury (Domschatzkammer) hosts an impressive collection of precious works of art.

And for those looking for something livelier, Aachen has the highest density of pubs per inhabitant of any town in Germany.

Aachen could not be any more ideally situated for a short city break. Aside from being easily reachable by motorways from Cologne and Dusseldorf, Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris, it provides a platform from which to investigate what Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium have to offer.

Whether you visit Aachen to soak up its rich historical ambience, or just to have a bit of fun for a few days, Charlemagne's city will not disappoint.

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