So apparently folks like Aachen's city hall. How about the cathedral as well? Admittedly, there are lots of shots just sort of up along the building already on the web, and I mean, what are you really going to do different with such a huge structure and not much space in front? Although I do know some places where I can and will some day try more total views…

Anyway. The cathedral of Aachen, in Germany known variously as Aachener Dom, Aachener Münster or Kaiserdom, was erected in the late 8th century, probably in the 790s, under orders of Charlemagne (aka Karolus Magnus or Karl der Große). After that, however, it has received numerous changes and additions, resulting in an ensemble that looks somewhat random today. Why, for example, is there a bridge leading from the tower in the westwork to the central octagon? I'm sure I can buy huge boring books about this subject in the "Aachen" section of my local book store, but I don't actually care enough to spend any money on that issue.

As for the picture, I wasn't too happy with the very bright sky, but I do like the cathedral pieces with their varying but matching colors, as well as the snow on top of the roofs. History buffs may notice the mixture of gothic and romanesque elements, in differing phases, that show the various stages of the construction. I really like this kind of chaos.