From Aix-La-Chapelle in French to Aquis Grana in Latin to Aachen in German (or officially, Bad-Aachen which means Spa-Aachen is not used in order for Aachen to be on the top of the alphabetic list of cities!) to Aken in Dutch....I think we can agree that there are just too many names for this small little German city which Charlemagne once called home. As the Holy Roman Emperor and King of the Franks, he made Aachen his capitol and the Cathedral in the city center crowned the Kings of Europe for more than 500 years after 800AD. Today, a Charlemagne prize is awarded each year in Aachen to an exceptional world leader who has promoted European unification.
Aachen is Germany's western-most city and lies right at border of Belgium, Netherlands and Germany which gives it a unique cultural and linguisitic history when compared with other German cities.
The Romans moved into the area centuries ago and stayed for the warm springs and their health benefits. The town became a spa town over time. The Germanic tribes moved in later and used their word for water or Acha (be sure to use your throat when pronouncing that one!)
Many of the ancient springs (or quellen, as they are called in German) turned to fountains (or brunnen) still remain. For example, Karlsbrunnen right in front of Charlemagne's (Karl der Groß) old residence at the City Hall Square and there is the Elisenbrunnen (very strong sulfur smell is at the center of downtown and you can't miss it unless you are really congested!) Of the spas, the famous Carolus Thermen is still around.
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