Aachen's cathedral was the coronation centre for the Kings of Germania from the 10C to the 16C. Charlemagne began its construction a little before 800, modelling it on Byzantine churches. From the south side outside the building there is a good view of most of the Carolingian church with its many-sided cupola dating from the 17C. There are three chapels: the St.-Matthias (1414), St.-Anne (pre-1449), both Gothic, and the Hungarian chapel (1756-1767). On the northern side, several chapels can be seen, including the St.-Hubert chapel (1455-1474) with its flamboyant portal, and above all the chancel with its 19C statues between the tall windows. The Carolingian entrance hall is reached through bronze-leafed doors embellished with lions' heads. The interior is formed by an octagon surounded by a two-storey ambulatory. The openings on the upper level have grilles dating from the Carolingian period. From the centre of the dome, richly decorated with mosaics, hangs a magnificent copper chandelier donated by Frederick Barbarossa (1165).Among the many noteworthy works of art, the ambo of Henry II, a small pulpit in gilded copper decorated with precious stones is well worrth admiring. The Carolingian high altar is adorned with a Pala d'oro, a sumptuous gold altar front decorated with scenes from the Passion and Christ in majesty (c 1020). Behind the altar is the Shrine of Charlemagne, marvellously hand-worked in gilded and embossed silver, containing the Emperor's bones. On the upper level the Emperor's throne can be seen and is still perfectly intact.