VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010

Carl the Great, regarded as ancestor to both German and French, liked to take a mineral bath for health reasons. He was especially fond of the hot fountains in Aachen, that´s why he moved his residence here in 794 AD. He let build the “Kaiserpfalz”, the imperial court, where besides the representation also the sciences bloomed. Carl gathered here the most capable heads of his Reich, who found the best circumstances for their work.

When he died in 814 AD, he was buried in the “Pfalzkapelle” the actual Cathedral of today. This Cathedral is not only one of the most beautiful sacred buildings in Europe but is a special center for the whole German history. Actually, there hadn´t been a capital city in Germany like Paris was in France, but at least German kings were crowned in the Cathedral in Aachen and therefore duty program for each sovereign.

Even today, a visit of the Cathedral and the “Kaiserpfalz” situated 70 km west of Cologne is absolutely worthwhile and easy to reach by train. And don’t forget the “Aachener Printen” a typical gingerbread from Aachen, which isn´t tasty only in pre-Christmas time!