Aachen, Germany

Postmarked Briefzentrum 52, dated 4 August 2005.

Rathaus.

In the early 14th century, the people of Aachen took over the ruined palace of Charlemagne and built the gothic town hall in its place.  It was converted into a baroque building in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was seriously damaged in the two fires of 1656 and 1883, and partially damaged during World War II. 50 statues of German kings are on the north side.  Thirty one kings were crowned in Aachen.

The person who sent this to me wrote the card sitting in front of this building and says it is much more impressive in reality.  Aachen is a beautiful city with wonderful architecture.