Showing posts with label Aachen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aachen. Show all posts

March 20, 2009

Town hall


Before choosing Notre-Dame de Paris, Napoleon I had considered for a time having his Imperial coronation take place in Aachen.
Annualy here is celebrated International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen) which is one of the most prestigious European prizes. It has been awarded once a year since 1950 by the German city of Aachen to people who contributed to the ideals upon which it has been founded. It commemorates Charlemagne, ruler of the Frankish Empire and founder of what became the Holy Roman Empire, who resided and is buried at Aachen. Traditionally the award is given to the recipient on the Ascension holiday in a ceremony in the town hall of Aachen.

March 18, 2009

Three-Country Point

The Vaalserberg is also noted for being the location where the borders of three countries intersect, giving its summit the name of Drielandenpunt ("Three-Country Point") in Dutch, or Dreiländereck ("Three-Country Corner") in German, or Trois Frontières ("Three Borders") in French.The touching countries are the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Between 1830 and 1919 it even was a Vierlandenpunt or "Four-Country Point"; see Moresnet for the now missing fourth one.

March 5, 2009

Aachen Cathedral