Holy Roman Empire Timeline

796 CE – 1880 CE · 2 sites

All sites in this period

The twin Gothic spires and west façade of Cologne Cathedral, Germany

Country Record

Known by the Most Names in Germany

Cologne Cathedral

1248 CE – 1880 CE

The masterpiece of German Gothic architecture and the most-visited landmark in Germany — a twin-spired cathedral begun in 1248 to enshrine the relics of the Three Kings. Left unfinished for centuries, it was completed in 1880 to its original medieval plans, and for four years stood as the tallest building in the world.

High MedievalMedieval

The Carolingian octagon and Gothic choir of Aachen Cathedral, Germany

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Country Record

Oldest Monument in Germany

Aachen Cathedral

796 CE – 1414 CE

The oldest cathedral in northern Europe and Germany's first UNESCO World Heritage Site — built around 796–805 CE as Charlemagne's palace chapel. Its octagonal Carolingian core, modelled on the imperial churches of Byzantium and Ravenna, became the burial place of Charlemagne and the coronation church of German kings for some six hundred years.

Early MedievalHigh Medieval