Aachen, << AH kuhn >> (pop. 236,420), is the westernmost city in Germany. It sits near the junction of the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands. The city is also known by its French name, Aix-la-Chapelle << `EHKS` lah shah PEHL >> , after the Palatine Chapel in Aachen Cathedral.
Roman soldiers established a settlement on the site of Aachen shortly after the birth of Christ. The city grew up around the Roman baths and eventually became the capital of the Frankish empire of Charlemagne. The magnificent Aachen Cathedral was begun by Charlemagne during the 700’s and contains his tomb. More than 30 German kings were crowned there. The Gothic Rathaus, or city hall, dates from 1330 and houses a number of art treasures. Each year, thousands of people visit the city’s resort, Bad Aachen << BAHD AH kuhn >> , where hot mineral springs are believed to cure some ailments. Aachen’s factories produce machinery, metal products, and textiles. The city is famous for its printen (spicy ginger bread) and has a number of museums, theaters, and universities.
A devastating fire in 1656 caused much of the city to be rebuilt. The Congress of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1818 helped preserve the peace following the Napoleonic Wars. During World War II (1939-1945), Aachen was the first German city taken by the Allies. Much of the city was destroyed in the fighting, but the Rathaus and Cathedral survived. Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was born in Aachen.
See Aix-la-Chapelle, Congress of ; Charlemagne ; Mies van der Rohe, Ludwig .
