Aachen is situated directly on the border with Belgium and the Netherlands. It is Germany’s most westerly city, with a population of nearly 260,000. Nearly 40,000 students attend Aachen’s five major colleges and universities.
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The
Cathedral, the first monument in Germany to be included in the UNESCO
Cultural Heritage list, and the gothic
City Hall in which 32 German kings celebrated their coronations still form the heart of
Aachenâs old city centre.
Charlemagne has lent his name to a prize awarded by
Aachenâs citizens to personalities who have rendered outstanding services to European unity: the
International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen. This award has been presented on Ascension Day every year since 1950.
But
Aachen has much to offer in respect of quality of life, too. The city has a flair and atmosphere of its own. The attractive layout of the old city centre, the important
historic monuments, the wells and baths over the
hottest natural springs in Europe, the bustling activity in the streets and squares, the cultural diversity and quality and the many recreational and leisure activities make
Aachen an exciting and pleasing whole.
The
Carolus-Therme is one of the most modern and attractive thermal baths in Europe. Besides the presentation of the International Charlemagne Prize, the major annual events include the presentation of the
Carnival Award, "The Antidote to Deadly Earnest" and the presentation of the
International UNESCO Music Prize.
