Frankfurt Old Town Hall

Frankfurt Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall (Rathaus, also known as the “Römer”), located at the northwest corner of Römerberg Square, consists of three reconstructed 15th-century gabled buildings.

These three exquisite interconnected Gothic buildings, with their distinctive stepped gabled roofs, have been remarkably well-preserved after undergoing renovations despite suffering damage from centuries of conflict, and can be considered a symbol of Frankfurt.

Frankfurt Old Town Hall (Rathaus / Römer), www.sintu.com, Xintu Travel Website

The central building is called the Römer. On the second floor of the Römer is the Kaisersaal (Emperor’s Hall), which was once used for the coronation ceremonies of the Holy Roman Emperors. Nowadays, when there are no special celebrations, the hall is open to visitors. It is adorned with life-sized portraits of 52 Holy Roman Emperors, from Charlemagne to Franz II, which are highly striking. Today, it is also the place where the German national football team celebrates its victories and fans revel in the joy. The entrance for visitors is somewhat tucked away—enter through the right-side entrance on Limpurger Gasse, which is on the left side facing the Römer, then proceed to the inner courtyard. At the very back of the courtyard, there is a spiral staircase; climbing up leads to the entrance of the Emperor’s Hall.

Opposite the Römer is a row of beautiful half-timbered houses, which were later reconstructed and are highly picturesque. It is said that before World War II, Frankfurt had many such lovely buildings. Today’s Frankfurt is filled with a modern atmosphere, but people hoped that at least the heart of the old town, around the Römerplatz, would retain some of its former charm. As a result, after WWII, those beautiful historic buildings were reconstructed and preserved. Among them are the cathedral where the elections and coronations of the Holy Roman Emperors were held, the Old Town Hall, St. Nicholas Church, and in the center of the square, there is a fountain with a statue of Lady Justice. In summer, this place becomes the festival square for “Mainhattan Summer”; in winter, during the four weeks leading up to Christmas, a Christmas market is held here.

Address: Römerberg

Opening Hours: 10:00–13:00, 14:00–17:00; closed on special occasions

Transportation: Take the U-Bahn and get off at the Römer station