The story of this place
In the upper gallery of Aachen Cathedral stands one of the most politically potent objects of the Middle Ages: the throne of Charlemagne, assembled from four plain slabs of white marble reputedly brought from Jerusalem, worn smooth by centuries. From Otto I in 936, German kings climbed its six steps — echoing the throne of Solomon — to be enthroned as rulers of the Holy Roman Empire. Whoever sat here after coronation in the chapel was recognised as the legitimate king. Napoleon is said to have paused before it in awe. The steps and slabs are original; the ritual of ascending them bound German kingship to Charlemagne's memory for more than half a millennium.