Aachen's town hall stands on the northern part of the former Carolingian palace complex, directly attached to the Dom. The building was constructed in the early 14th century and extended over the following centuries, with an imposing Gothic facade on the market square side. The first floor holds the Coronation Hall, decorated with large 19th-century frescoes by Alfred Rethel depicting scenes from Charlemagne's life — bombastic, detailed, and surprisingly gripping if you give them time.
The market square in front, Am Markt, is the heart of old Aachen and makes a good base for exploring. The Christmas market held here in December is one of the most atmospheric in Germany: stalls spread from the Rathaus steps across the square in front of the Dom, and the smell of Glühwein and roasting nuts fills the old stone lanes.