Grashaus (Grass House), Aachen
Grashaus is not only one of the oldest buildings in the city, but also historically significant as Aachen's first town hall. It was completed in 1267, but probably stands on even older foundations, possibly from the Carolingian period. The grass house owes its name to the grass, a medieval village green on which executions as well as public festivals and allegedly the burials of the executed took place.
The building came at a time of social change. From the 12th century, the aspiring citizens, who had become rich through trade and the manufacture of cloth, increasingly demanded a say in the affairs of the emperors and kings ruling in Aachen. On January 8, 1166, city rights were granted by Emperor Friedrich I, Barbarossa and, on the basis of the so-called Charlemagne privilege, all residents were freed from feudal servitude and exempted from customs duties in the Aachen Empire. From the year 1250, a city council headed by two mayors finally took over the administrative business of the royal lay judges, who from then on were mainly responsible for the jurisdiction.
The associated construction of a town hall, burgerhuys, also known as domus civium and burger grass, also had a symbolic character and at the same time was an expression of the self-confidence of an aspiring citizenry. This construction was also approved by King Richard of Cornwall, who was crowned in Aachen in 1257 and who shared in the costs with a generous financial donation.
The building came at a time of social change. From the 12th century, the aspiring citizens, who had become rich through trade and the manufacture of cloth, increasingly demanded a say in the affairs of the emperors and kings ruling in Aachen. On January 8, 1166, city rights were granted by Emperor Friedrich I, Barbarossa and, on the basis of the so-called Charlemagne privilege, all residents were freed from feudal servitude and exempted from customs duties in the Aachen Empire. From the year 1250, a city council headed by two mayors finally took over the administrative business of the royal lay judges, who from then on were mainly responsible for the jurisdiction.
The associated construction of a town hall, burgerhuys, also known as domus civium and burger grass, also had a symbolic character and at the same time was an expression of the self-confidence of an aspiring citizenry. This construction was also approved by King Richard of Cornwall, who was crowned in Aachen in 1257 and who shared in the costs with a generous financial donation.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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Grashaus (Grass House) on Map
Sight Name: Grashaus (Grass House)
Sight Location: Aachen, Germany (See walking tours in Aachen)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Aachen, Germany (See walking tours in Aachen)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Aachen, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Aachen
Creating your own self-guided walk in Aachen is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Aachen's Historical Buildings Tour
Evolved from an ancient Roman settlement, Aachen is one of the oldest and most historic cities in Germany. At one time it served as the capital of Holy Roman Empire. Today's Aachen is just a small city yet with a very rich history and stunning architecture. Despite being heavily damaged during World War II, some of its historical buildings have survived to our days courtesy of the strenuous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Aachen Introduction Walking Tour
The area that is now home to Aachen has been occupied since at least Neolithic times. The mineral springs have drawn people here for eons, and historians have found evidence of settlements from the Bronze and Iron Ages. In those days, the area was settled by the Celtic peoples. They probably came here to worship Grannus, god of light and healing.
The Romans built the town as a spa resort... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
The Romans built the town as a spa resort... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles