European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - April 2, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Next time you re passing Aachen done to by John Millar Wurzburg Bureau Many travellers driving to Belgium France the Netherlands and Points beyond think of Aachen Germany As the last Esso station before crossing the Border. But there s More to the City in Western Germany than what can be seen from the fuel pumps. Fact is Aachen has been a popular stopping Point since the year 3 . When romans built Thermal Baths temples and houses there. Franconia s King Pepin reportedly bathed in the old roman Baths around the year 765. His son Charlemagne made Aachen his permanent Home. Charlemagne also known As Charles the great had a grand Palace built in Aachen and the City became known As the Quot second  much of the Palace was destroyed during a massive fire that engulfed the City in 1656. The Structure was rebuilt and damaged twice the last time by bombing during world War ii. The City s current town Hall was built on the foundations of one of the Palace buildings. Aachen s Cathedral was once the Palace Chapel and is the Only part of the original Structure standing today. The town Hall and the Cathedral Are two of the biggest historical attractions Aachen offers its visitors. One could spend hours looking at the ornate facades on each Side of the town Hall. The front Side which faces Aachen s  is it a it y.  v a it 11 Market place features detailed carvings of Charlemagne with a Model of the Palace Chapel and Pope Leo Iii who dedicated the Chapel in the year 804. Also included in die ornate facade Are statues of 50 German Kings. Thirty one of those Kings were crowned in Aachen. The statues some depicting friends of Royalty others religious scenes continue around the huge Castle like building. Just below windows of the Structure s emperor s Hall Are carvings that depict scenes representing Learned sciences such As grammar arithmetic astronomy chemistry and geometry. Inside the City Hall visitors can View the Quot Crown jewels of  among the Gold and jewel encrusted items on display Are the Sabre of Charlemagne the Imperial Crown Cross sword and the holy Lance. There is More glitter in the City Cathedral where the Cathedral treasures Are displayed. Inside the ornate Octagon shaped Church is what is touted As the most noteworthy Church treasure North of the Alps. The treasure includes thousands of items from tapestries to scriptures held in Gold Book covers. There is also an almost blinding Gold sculpture of the bust of Charlemagne. The former emperor s remains Are held within Charlemagne s shrine a giant sarcophagus decorated with intricately carved Gold sculptures and studded with jewels. Outside of the Cathedral and City Hall is a City of contrasts. There Are crooked cobblestones streets lined with cafes and specially shops. Glass covered skyscrapers is up at / pjs of a 4 Aachen s Cathedral is in the heart of the downtown near the City Hail. 1 is. V in left outdoor cafes Bloom at the first sign of Spring. Above the sword of Charlemagne top is one of the items on display at the City halt museum 6 stripes Magazine april 2, 1992