Aachen

On December 25, 800, Charlemagne was crowned Emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III at the old St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. This event marked the beginning of the Carolingian Empire and solidified Charlemagne's power. As Emperor, Charlemagne expanded his empire, which included much of Western Europe. After his coronation, Aachen became the favored residence of the Emperor and the political center of the Carolingian realm.

In 1380, Aachen was granted the status of a Free Imperial City by King Wenceslaus of Germany. This status gave Aachen a significant degree of independence and self-governance, allowing it to enact its own laws and collect its own taxes. The city also held strategic importance due to its location, and it became a center for trade and commerce. This status significantly boosted Aachen's prosperity in the late medieval period.

On May 2, 1656, the city of Aachen was devastated by a catastrophic fire that destroyed three-quarters of the city. More than 4,000 residences, numerous churches, and other significant buildings were reduced to rubble. The fire started in the bakery of Peter Maw and was fueled by high winds, spreading rapidly. Rebuilding Aachen took many years, and the fire had profound effects on the city's economy and architecture.

The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, signed on October 18, 1748, ended the War of the Austrian Succession. It was negotiated in Aachen (known as Aix-la-Chapelle at the time). The treaty restored the status quo ante bellum, meaning that most territories returned to their pre-war state, but it did not address many of the underlying issues that caused the war. It was part of a series of treaties that attempted to bring peace to Europe in the 18th century.

On September 23, 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte visited Aachen as part of his tour through the Rhineland. During his visit, Napoleon paid homage to Charlemagne by visiting his burial site at the Aachen Cathedral. This visit symbolized Napoleon's wish to associate himself with the legacy of Charlemagne, whose empire also had its political center in Aachen. Napoleon's visit was part of his larger strategy to consolidate French influence in the region.

The Battle of Aachen occurred in October 1944 during World War II. It was one of the largest urban battles fought by United States forces in the European theater, lasting several weeks. Aachen was the first German city to be captured by the Allies, a symbolic victory. The battle involved intense urban combat, and the city's capture paved the way for the Allied advance into Germany. The battle resulted in significant destruction to the city.

On September 19, 1978, the Aachen Cathedral was one of the first 12 sites to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The cathedral was the principal cathedral of Charlemagne's Carolingian Renaissance and served as the site of coronations for 31 Holy Roman Emperors. Its architecture fuses classical, Byzantine, and pre-Romanesque styles, making it a unique treasure of European history and culture. Its inclusion emphasized its significance as a cultural heritage.

The Aachen University Hospital, one of the largest single-building hospitals in Europe, officially opened on June 11, 1994. The hospital integrates clinical care with research and teaching, and it is affiliated with the RWTH Aachen University. The architecturally striking hospital is known for its distinctive large-scale skylight construction and provides a wide array of medical services. It has become an important center for medical education and innovation.

On May 20, 2004, the former President of France, Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, received the Charlemagne Prize in Aachen. The prize is awarded for distinguished service on behalf of European unification. d'Estaing was honored for his significant contributions to the drafting of the European Constitutional Treaty and his long-standing efforts to promote European integration and cooperation. The ceremony was held at the historic Aachen Town Hall.

On May 16, 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron was awarded the Charlemagne Prize in Aachen, which honors individuals for their service to European values and unity. Macron was recognized for his vision and dedication to strengthening European cooperation, particularly in times of rising nationalism and populism. He called for a more sovereign, united, and democratic Europe. The event highlighted Aachen's role as a symbol of European unity.