Domschatzkammer (Cathedral Treasury), Aachen (must see)

Inside the Cathedral Treasury, one of Europe’s most extraordinary church treasure troves awaits. The collection, rumored to have begun with Charlemagne’s spoils from Jerusalem and Constantinople, is so impressive it secured the very first German spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list, along with Aachen Cathedral itself.

This treasure chest of history includes relics and artifacts from the late antique, Carolingian, Ottonian, Staufian, and Gothic eras. Since its grand redesign in 1995, the Treasury showcases over 100 dazzling works of art across five themed sections, all spread out over a space larger than six tennis courts.

The first section highlight the Cathedral as Charlemagne’s personal church. Here, you’ll find a silver and gilded bust of the emperor (post-1349) taking center stage. Next come Aachen’s liturgical roots, featuring the ornate Lothar Cross (circa the year 1000) and the so-called Aachen Altar (circa 1520). Another collection showcases ceremonial pieces tied to royal coronations held here between 936 and 1531, like an exquisite ivory holy water vessel. Elsewhere, Marian devotion and the city’s storied pilgrimages come to life through reliquaries, Hungarian donations, and breathtaking sculptures of the Virgin Mary.

Downstairs, a rotating display of the Cathedral’s textile treasures surrounds the legendary coronation mantle, the “Cappa Leonis,” from the early 16th century. It’s all a testament to Aachen’s centuries-long place at the crossroads of religion, art, and history.