Good Morning! I have no idea why a rooster is part of the ceiling mosaic in the Aachen Cathedral, but it is. According to the book we have, it is there as a "symbol of vigilance". This part of the cathedral was finished in 800. The mosaics were redone mid-19th century from original plans. This part of the cathedral was Charlemagne's chapel. And thanks for yesterday's comments. Yes, indeed, shooting through glass is a pain.
A detail from the ceiling of the octagonal Pfalz Chapel.
Charlemagne (Karl der Große) 2011-08-11 Charlemagne (742 - 814) was king of the Franks and Holy Roman Emperor. He is credited with starting the French and German lines of kings, and was the first to unify Europe. His seat was at Aachen (Aix la Chapelle). In the cathedral treasury they have his bust, shown here. The top of the bust opens - the top of his skull is stored inside. The bust is from 1349, and the crown was worn by Charles IV. Oh, and I nearly forgot to add great thanks for yesterday's comments - the shot landed in the top ten! [This shot is from the same museum]
![Charlemagne (Karl der Große)
2011-08-11 Charlemagne (742 - 814) was king of the Franks and Holy Roman Emperor. He is credited with starting the French and German lines of kings, and was the first to unify Europe. His seat was at Aachen (Aix la Chapelle). In the cathedral treasury they have his bust, shown here. The top of the bust opens - the top of his skull is stored inside. The bust is from 1349, and the crown was worn by Charles IV.
Oh, and I nearly forgot to add great thanks for yesterday's comments - the shot landed in the top ten! [This shot is from the same museum]](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fcphDHp/0/L/i-fcphDHp-L.jpg)