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Aachen Cathedral: Choir Hall

Posted by MadScientist (Düsseldorf, Germany) on 10 December 2009 in Art & Design.

Originally being Charlemagne's sanctuary and palace chapel, this church has been extended through many centuries. For several hundred years the kings and emperors of Germany had been crowned here.

The shrine of Our Lady (behind the altar), ordered by the chapter of the cathedral in 1220 and finished in 1239, is one of the greatest gold works of the 13th century. Formed like a single-nave basilica with a short transept, it bears more than 1000 gems. Figurines of the apostles can be found as well depictions of the Christ, Mary with baby Jesus, Pope Leo III, and Charlemagne. The shrine's roof depicts scenes from the life of Jesus.

The shrine contains four important relics, making it an important destination for pilgrims. Up to the beginning of the 19th century it also contained the 'Noli me tangere' (Don't touch me) - box with its mysterious content.

Ted from South Wales, United Kingdom

skilfully composed and and exposed as always MS!

10 Dec 2009 7:44am

@Ted: Thanks very much, Ted!

Linerberry from Christchurch, New Zealand

Ditto Ted!!! Wonderful!!!

10 Dec 2009 8:19am

@Linerberry: Many thanks, LB!

akarui from Kagoshima, Japan

Wonderful church and stained glass.

10 Dec 2009 9:12am

@akarui: Cheers, Olivier!

António Pires from Lisbon, Portugal

Very well composed. The light seems just perfect rendering the ambiance of the church. The stained glass windows form a beautiful background.

10 Dec 2009 2:51pm

@António Pires: Unfortunately I couldn't step into the hall - it's for guided tourists only.

dj.tigersprout from New York City, United States

i think you can lift off into space from this pulpit... ;)

10 Dec 2009 2:55pm

@dj.tigersprout: That's the altar, the pulpit is attached to the hall's wall. But it looks very golden and spacey, too! :-)

MARIANA from Waterloo, Canada

brilliant mood I can feel from this photograph ! Really great details and colors !

10 Dec 2009 4:02pm

@MARIANA: Cheers, Mariana!

Steven from Chicagoland, United States

Stunning colors that you have captured here. And what a rich history this cathedral contains. Thanks for the informative narrative.

10 Dec 2009 6:29pm

@Steven: Just a title like "church" would have been too understated. :-)

Philip from South Wales, United Kingdom

Great stuff. The gold shines away with Jesus floating mysteriously above. Magical.

10 Dec 2009 9:19pm

@Philip: Not Jesus: his mother. :-)

Japanalia from Yokohama, Japan

This is so much an image meant for.....Christmas!!!! I love the presence of flowers,plans in this mixture of colours and gold! Very,very beautiful capture! Most inspiring!

11 Dec 2009 6:02am

@Japanalia: You'll often find something green (especially palms) in German churches throughout the year. Fits well.