St. Nicholas Church, Aachen
The first records of a church on this site go back to 1005. It was dedicated to Nicholas of Myra.
Around 1222, brothers of the Franciscan order took over the chapel and built a new monastery. The brothers rebuilt the existing structure to suit their needs, building a gothic-style church. Unfortunately, the building was damaged by a fire in 1333, but the order was popular and expanded rapidly during the 14th century. They used the building until it came to be in disrepair in the early 17th century.
The foundation stones for the new building--the one you see today--were laid in 1630. Over the centuries, however, numerous fires and war damage have resulted in constant reconstructions. The last major construction was in 1951, repairing World War II damage.
Monasteries were dissolved during the secularization movement of the early 19th century. The French removed the altarpieces and sent them to the Louvre in Paris, and they used the building for wounded soldiers and horse stables. The other monastery buildings were turned into a prison. It was only because Saint Nicholas had been declared a parish church that it did not get completely destroyed.
Today, Saint Nicholas is the city church of Aachen. A Protestant and Catholic association was founded in 2001 to oversee the church's operation. Many cultural events are held in the building. The Aachen Symphony Orchestra and several choirs have performed and recorded here.
Around 1222, brothers of the Franciscan order took over the chapel and built a new monastery. The brothers rebuilt the existing structure to suit their needs, building a gothic-style church. Unfortunately, the building was damaged by a fire in 1333, but the order was popular and expanded rapidly during the 14th century. They used the building until it came to be in disrepair in the early 17th century.
The foundation stones for the new building--the one you see today--were laid in 1630. Over the centuries, however, numerous fires and war damage have resulted in constant reconstructions. The last major construction was in 1951, repairing World War II damage.
Monasteries were dissolved during the secularization movement of the early 19th century. The French removed the altarpieces and sent them to the Louvre in Paris, and they used the building for wounded soldiers and horse stables. The other monastery buildings were turned into a prison. It was only because Saint Nicholas had been declared a parish church that it did not get completely destroyed.
Today, Saint Nicholas is the city church of Aachen. A Protestant and Catholic association was founded in 2001 to oversee the church's operation. Many cultural events are held in the building. The Aachen Symphony Orchestra and several choirs have performed and recorded here.
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St. Nicholas Church on Map
Sight Name: St. Nicholas Church
Sight Location: Aachen, Germany (See walking tours in Aachen)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Aachen, Germany (See walking tours in Aachen)
Sight Type: Religious
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 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
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