Discovering the Grashaus in Aachen
The city of Aachen, located at the western edge of Germany near the borders with Belgium and The Netherlands, is a treasure trove for history buffs. While most tourists flock to this ancient Roman spa town to visit Charlemagne’s Palatine Chapel or soak in its famous thermal baths, there’s another hidden gem that should not be missed – The Grashaus.
A Glimpse into History: What is the Grashaus?
The Grashaus is one of Aachen’s oldest surviving secular buildings. Its origins date back to 1267 when it was built as a cloth hall by Aachen’s powerful guilds. Later on, it served various functions such as being an administrative office (1370), town hall (14th century) until the new Rathaus was completed, and even a prison during Napoleon Bonaparte’s reign.
Its name “Grashaus” literally translates to ‘Grass House,’ but don’t let that mislead you; it has nothing to do with grass or greenery! Instead, ‘Gras’ refers to an old German word for ‘greeting’ or ‘negotiation’, indicating its initial use as a meeting place for merchants.
Architectural Splendor: Gothic Grandeur Meets Modern Restoration
Built primarily in brick gothic style architecture with some later additions like Baroque elements added over time due to renovations and restorations after damages throughout centuries, the building stands out distinctly amidst other structures around it. One can easily spot detailed stone carvings adorning its façade which depict biblical scenes and figures from antiquity – these were added during its stint as a court house under Napoleon Bonaparte rule.
In 2002, the building underwent significant restoration work. The project aimed to preserve its historical elements while adapting it for modern use. Today, visitors can admire the beautifully restored façade and step inside to explore its rich history.
Inside the Grashaus: A Journey through Time
The interior of Grashaus is as fascinating as its exterior. It houses a permanent exhibition that takes you on a journey through time, from the Middle Ages to Napoleon’s era and beyond.
The ground floor showcases an impressive collection of medieval legal texts – a nod to its past life as a court house – along with various artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations in and around Aachen. On the upper floors, you’ll find exhibitions detailing how this historic building has evolved over centuries, including models showing architectural changes made at different times.
A Living History Lesson: The European Classroom
Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Grashaus is its ‘European Classroom.’ As part of Aachen’s commitment towards fostering European integration and understanding among youth, this unique space offers educational programs about Europe’s shared cultural heritage for school groups visiting from across Europe.
The classroom features interactive displays that engage students in learning about key moments in European history like Charlemagne’s reign or World War II aftermath. This innovative approach makes history come alive for young learners while promoting cross-cultural dialogue among future generations.
Visiting Information
If you’re planning to visit Aachen anytime soon, be sure not to miss out on exploring this hidden gem! The Grashaus is conveniently located close by other major tourist attractions such as Cathedral Treasury (Domschatzkammer) or Couven Museum making it easy include in your itinerary.
Admission into Grashaus is free but guided tours may have nominal charges. It is open to public from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just someone looking for unique experiences, the Grashaus offers an intriguing glimpse into Aachen’s past that’s worth discovering!
Frequently asked questions
What is the Grashaus in Aachen?
The Grashaus in Aachen, also known as the “House of Grass”, is a historic building located at Fischmarkt 3. It’s one of the oldest surviving townhouses in Aachen and holds significant historical value. Originally built around 1267, it served various purposes over centuries including being used as a city hall, court house and even a prison. Today, it houses an information center for visitors interested in the Route Charlemagne which showcases Aachen’s rich cultural history.
Where exactly is Grashaus located?
The Grashaus is situated at Fischmarkt 3, right next to the Rathaus (City Hall) and near the iconic Aachener Dom (Aachen Cathedral). The location offers easy access to other major tourist attractions within walking distance such as Couven Museum or International Newspaper Museum.
Can I visit Grashaus? What are its opening hours?
Yes, you can visit Grashaus. It serves as an information center for tourists who wish to explore more about Route Charlemagne – a journey through time that tells about Charlemagne’s life and work along with showcasing different epochs of European urban development using modern media technology. However, due to events or restoration works sometimes it might be temporarily closed so it’s always recommended checking their official website or contacting them directly for up-to-date opening hours before planning your visit.
Is there any admission fee for visiting Grashaus?
No, entry into the building itself and accessing its public areas like visitor centre is free. This allows anyone interested in learning more about local history or getting detailed information on Route Charlemagne without having to pay any entrance fees.
Why should I visit Grashaus?
Visiting the Grashaus is like stepping back in time. Not only does it offer a unique insight into Aachen’s rich history and cultural heritage, but also serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Route Charlemagne. The information centre within provides detailed guides, maps and other resources to help you plan your journey along this historic route. Moreover, its central location makes it easy to combine your visit with other nearby attractions such as the Aachen Cathedral or City Hall.
