photo 56 of 133
Aachen Cathedral: Throne of Charlemagne (c.800)

Throne of Charlemagne (c.800)

In the upper gallery of the Palatine Chapel, visitors on a guided tour can view the marble throne on which 32 Holy Roman Emperors were coronated between 936 and 1531. The throne dates to Carolingian times and was likely used by Charlemagne himself, though not for his coronation, which took place in Rome. The throne is very simple, consisting of four ancient marble slabs held together by bronze clamps. Its six marble steps, partly carved from an ancient column, allude to Solomon's throne.

Credit: Holly Hayes