Where Europe Began (arguably)
Aachen is downright awesome, historically and now. Here is where the coronation of Charlemagne was held on Christmas Day, 800 and 30+ kings after that. The chapel palace, pictured above, is Germany’s first World Heritage Site and is arguably the site where Europe first began to take shape. The present city retains its medieval feel in the old city, with winding cobblestone streets, plazas, and architecture. I thought I wanted to move to Münster before seeing Aachen, which has the additional advantage of being very close to the Belgium border and on a direct rail line to Paris. Plus, it didn’t feel as artificially medieval as Münster. One late afternoon Sara and I whiled away the hours with beer, wine, and people-watching in the shadow of the chapel:
Between cafés we did enter the chapel and saw the alter before which many kings had kneeled to pray:
Having dinner and drinks at this place on a cozy plaza next to the back of the chapel palace as the sun went down at 10PM (!) was among the best moments there:
Yep, I think we should retire to Aachen (once I learn German…)