Aachener Domschatzkammer

The Aachen Cathedral Treasury houses one of the most significant collections of ecclesiastical cultural treasures in the world and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the rooms along the cathedral's cloister, more than a hundred works of art are on display, ranging from late antiquity to the Gothic period. The exhibition is divided thematically into six sections that reflect the life and history of Aachen's Church of St. Mary. A central focus is Charlemagne, whose memory is honored through objects such as the silver-gilt bust of Charlemagne, the Treasury Gospels, and the so-called hunting knife of the emperor. The coronation rituals are also represented in exhibits such as the Liuthar Gospels, the first work of Western book illumination to feature a continuous gold background throughout, as well as the magnificent Golden Book Cover.

Another important aspect is the cathedral's deep roots in the veneration of Mary. Here you can see the Shrine of Mary, which holds the legendary garment of the Mother of God, along with numerous Gothic sculptures and altars, including the work of the Master of the Life of the Virgin of Aachen. The liturgical tradition is represented by the Ottonian Cross of Lothair, a masterpiece of the goldsmith's art that is still used on special occasions today. The collection also documents Aachen's importance as a pilgrimage site, as shown by the reliquaries and the armorial chest of Richard of Cornwall, which plays a central role during the Heiligtumsfahrt (pilgrimage of the relics).

The rich textile treasure, displayed in a vaulted room on the lower level, deserves special attention. Highlights include ancient and Byzantine silk fabrics, such as the purple quadriga silk with a late antique arena scene and the elephant silk that lies in the Shrine of Charlemagne. These precious fabrics, which also include liturgical chasubles and choir copes, attest to the high value placed on textiles in church history. On the upper floor, you can also see the pontifical vestments and regalia of the Aachen bishops, which offer a glimpse into the spiritual administration of the city.