Sankt Adalbert (St. Adalbert's Church), Aachen

Sankt Adalbert is one of the oldest church sites in the region. It is dedicated to Saint Adalbert of Prague and was founded by Otto III. The church was consecrated in 1005 and is considered the second oldest church after the cathedral, with early links to both parish life and imperial history.

The church was first built in the Romanesque style. By the late 19th century, it had become unstable and was largely rebuilt between 1898 and 1900 by architect Heinrich Wiethase. This Neo-Romanesque rebuilding still defines the church today, with red sandstone walls, rounded arches, and a tall, solid tower reflecting medieval traditions.

During the Second World War, the church was badly damaged. On July 14, 1943, phosphorus bombs caused a fire that destroyed the interior, leaving only the outer walls. It was rebuilt in the 1950s, combining older structures with modern design. Inside, visitors can see post-war artworks, including icons by Todor Boychev and a large icon cross by Vr. Andrey Davydov. The church also keeps important relics, such as skull relics of Saint Adalbert and Saint Hermes, along with fragments linked to the True Cross and the Crown of Thorns.