In the early 14th century, the townspeople of Aachen took over the ruined palace of Charlemagne. On its foundation they built the gothic town hall, which was converted into a baroque building in the 17th and 18th centuries. The town hall was seriously damaged in the two fires of 1656 and 1883. 50 statues of German rulers adorn the north facade; 31 of the kings represented were crowned in Aachen.
Inside the town hall visitors can take a look at the Coronation hall with its famous Rethel frescoes dating from the 19th century and copies of the Imperial Crown Jewels as well as the gothic and baroque furniture of the building