Römerberg square and Frankfurt 'cathedral'
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The Römer (left) Frankfurt's town hall, facing onto Römerberg square (click to enlarge) |
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The Römer has been the Frankfurt's town hall or Rathaus for 600 years and the medieval building is one of the city's most important landmarks. The Haus Römer is actually the middle building of a set of three facing onto Römerberg square in the heart of old Frankfurt. The buildings around the square were largely destroyed during World War II but then completely rebuilt afterwards.
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Football heroes on the balcony With cafés and shops lining the square, it is a prime tourist attraction. The balcony on the front of the Römer has also be the scene of many football celebrations. The German ladies national team took their bows here, for instance, after winning the 2003 World Cup, as did the men on their return as beaten finalist after the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea. |
| Footballers know the Römer balcony well |
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Within walking distance of the Zeil shopping area and the Main river, the square is located just north of the Eiserner Steg bridge. Frankfurt tourist office page on the Römerberg square (in English) Frankfurt tourist office page on the Römer town hall (in English)
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Saint Bartholomeus' Cathedral Saint Bartholomeus' Cathedral (Dom Sankt Bartholomäus) is a Gothic building constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries on the foundations of an earlier church from the Merovingian era. It is Frankfurt's main church.
A big role in history From 1356 onwards, kings of the Holy Roman Empire were elected in this church, and from 1562 to 1792 emperors were crowned here.
Since the 18th century, Saint Bartholomeus' has been known as "the cathedral", although it has never been a bishop's seat. |
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Frankfurt's Saint Bartholomeus' Cathedral |
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In 1867 the 'Dom' was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in its present style. The cathedral museum is open Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, 11am-5pm Sat & Sun. |
Frankfurt 'Cathedral' website (German only) Frankfurt tourist office page on the cathedral (in English) |