Picture Stories - City Highlights

Frankfurt is listed as one of the top ten Alpha world cities. It is the biggest in Hesse state and the largest financial centre in Germany and continental Europe. The European Central Bank and German Federal Bank are seated here. Frankfurt Stock Exchange is one the biggest and most efficient stock exchanges in the world.

During historic times, Frankfurt was an important city in the Holy Roman Empire. German kings and emperors were elected and crowned here. Its name originated from the ‘franks’, an early tribe living in the area of the ‘furt’ where the river was shallow enough to be crossed by wading. Located on the River Main and at the centre of the larger Frankfurt Rhine Main Area, it commanded a strategic position over water and road transport. Today it has expanded to be the focal point for road, rail and air transportation in Germany and much of Europe.

The city is also well known for its trade fairs. The Frankfurt Trade Fair was first mentioned in 1150, visitors were even granted imperial privileges - protection by the emperor in 1240. At present times, the city hosts the largest motor show Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung and book fair Frankfurter Buchmesse in the world.

The famous Old Opera House – Alte Oper is a reconstruction of its original Renaissance façade, 24 years after it was bombed during World II. Funded by Frankfurt citizens, it was first built in 1880 by architect Richard Lucae. Today it is a multi-purpose complex with a modern interior consisting of a congress centre and several concert halls.

Prestigious financial institutions, famous buildings, squares and streets - both classic and avant-garde - lie in the Central District or Innenstadt. It borders the Old Town - Altstadt where Frankfurt first began in the 8th century. Being the nucleus of financial infrastructure, these areas were severely bombed during World War II. Most of the historically significant buildings seen today are reconstructions.

Popular dining at St. Paul’s Square – Paulsplatz in Aldstadt. Due to its historical significance, St. Paul’s church – Paulskirche (right) was the first to be reconstructed after the war. It was the seat of the first democratically elected parliament in 1848. Today it is neither used for political nor religious purposes but mainly exhibitions and events.

The Ostzeile (left) at Romerberg – six half-timber houses rebuilt in 1983. The originals were built in the 15th and 16th centuries. On the right is St. Nikolai Church – Alte Nikolaikirche, the original built in 1290. It was used as a court chapel for the emperors until 15^th century. A carillon of 35 bells chimes everyday at 9.05, 12.05 and 15.05.

Romerberg is the central square of Atlstadt. Large trade fairs were held here since the 12th century drawing both local and foreign merchants and visitors. It also hosted many festivities including the coronation of the Holy Roman Emperors. The whole place was almost flattened by bombs in March 1944. The Fountain of Justice now stands in the middle.

Frankfurt Town hall - the Romer is one of the most important historical buildings. The originals were built between the 12^th and 18^th centuries. Made up of three-adjoining sections, the central building called ‘Zum Romer’ meaning ‘to the Romans’ (the settlers before Frankfurt was founded) houses the Kaiseraal. It is the hall where kings and emperors of the ‘Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation’ were coronated.

The majestic tower of Cathedral St. Bartholomew or the Emperor’s Cathedral – Der Kaiserdom as seen from Romerberg. From 1356 – 1792 it served as the church for the election and from 1562 also the coronation of all German Emperors. Church construction began in 1248 to replace the Caroligian Salvator Church of 840 but was fully completed only 600 years later in 1877.

The River Main was an important means of transport in older times. Settlements grew from its banks to become ‘cities’ of their time. This view was taken from Batterie (‘Battery’), the river bank in Hoechst district. Hoechst which is well known for its chemical and pharmaceutical production became part of Frankfurt in 1928.

Hoechst is an old historical city which had special town-fort privileges since 1355. The 400-years old city wall and (beyond) ancient church of St. Justinus runs parallel with the river. They are originals and not reconstructions! Though Hoechst was the most important sub-centre in western Frankfurt, it escaped World War II bombings.

The north doorway to St. Justinus Church – Die Justinuskirche is flanked by statues of Paul of Thebes and Anthony the Great. It was constructed in 1442 but the church itself existed from 830. It is the oldest building in Frankfurt, one of the oldest in Germany and has been in continuous service for around 1150 years.

Restored timber framed houses and a well in Castle Square - Schlossplatz in the preserved old ‘city of Hoechst’. These stamped from the middle ages, most buildings were rebuilt after a major fire in 1586. A folklore festival – Hoechst Schlossfest which includes fireworks and a jazz festival in the castle is being held in June every year.

Hoechst Castle across the square. A year after Emperor Charles IV declared Hoechst the rights of a fortified city in 1355, the Archbishop built the medieval castle. Rival ‘city of Frankfurt’ burnt it down in 1396 because the custom point was a ‘thorn in the eye’. It was rebuilt a sprawling renaissance complex in the 16^th century.

An azalea exhibition in the botanic gardens – Palmengarten (Palm Garden). Exhibitions and special events including concerts and festivals are held here all year round. Historically, the citizens of Frankfurt established a trust in 1868 to create this 80-acre garden. In spring and summer, it is vibrantly coloured by splendid blooms.