Palace Beach

The Palace of Aachen was a group of buildings with residential, political, and religious purposes chosen by Charlemagne to be the center of power of the Carolingian Empire. The palace was located in the heart of the current city of Aachen, today in the German Land (or state) of North Rhine-Westphalia. Most of the Carolingian palace was built in the 790s but the works went on until Charlemagne's death in 814. The plans, drawn by Odo of Metz, were part of the program of renovation of the kingdom decided by the ruler. The Palatine Chapel that was part of the palace complex has been preserved and is considered a masterpiece of Carolingian architecture and a characteristic example of architecture from the Carolingian Renaissance. Also, the foundations and lower walls of the Aula Regia (council hall) are preserved in the current town hall as are the first three stories of its square tower (so-called Granus Tower).