Frankfurt Cathedral
Imagine standing in the heart of Frankfurt, surrounded by the echoes of history. The Frankfurt Cathedral, officially St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, is not just a place of worship but a testament to the city's rich past. This Gothic masterpiece, built between the 13th and 15th centuries, has witnessed the coronation of German kings and Holy Roman Emperors. Its towering 95-meter cathedral tower is a defining landmark of Frankfurt's old town. As you walk around this historic site, you'll find yourself immersed in the stories of power, politics, and faith that have shaped this remarkable city.
Frankfurt Cathedral, officially St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, is one of the most important historic buildings in Frankfurt. Despite being called a cathedral, it was never the seat of a bishop. Its significance stems from its role in the election and coronation of German kings and Holy Roman Emperors. The present Gothic church was built mainly between the 13th and 15th centuries, on a site that had already been used for religious buildings for centuries. Historical Context: The church became closely connected with Frankfurt's political importance. From 1562 to 1792, German kings were crowned Holy Roman Emperors here. Before the coronation, the newly elected king would enter Frankfurt and participate in ceremonies at the cathedral. The cathedral's 22-meter-high altar stands above the supposed location of the grave of Saint Bartholomew, one of the Twelve Apostles. This is why the church is dedicated to him. The cathedral was severely damaged by fire in 1867 and again during the bombing of Frankfurt in World War II. It was rebuilt after both disasters, making the building you see today partly medieval and partly reconstructed. Why It Matters to Frankfurt
The story has now moved from geography to power:
Main River → Ford → Franconofurd → Kaiserpfalz → Cathedral → Elections and Coronations
The ford explains why Frankfurt was born here. The Kaiserpfalz explains why kings came here. The cathedral explains why Frankfurt became one of the most important political cities of the Holy Roman Empire.
History
The church became closely connected with Frankfurt's political importance. From 1562 to 1792, German kings were crowned Holy Roman Emperors here. Before the coronation, the newly elected king would enter Frankfurt and participate in ceremonies at the cathedral.
The cathedral's 22-meter-high altar stands above the supposed location of the grave of Saint Bartholomew, one of the Twelve Apostles. This is why the church is dedicated to him.
The cathedral was severely damaged by fire in 1867 and again during the bombing of Frankfurt in World War II. It was rebuilt after both disasters, making the building you see today partly medieval and partly reconstructed.
Why It Matters to Frankfurt
The story has now moved from geography to power:
Main River → Ford → Franconofurd → Kaiserpfalz → Cathedral → Elections and Coronations
The ford explains why Frankfurt was born here.
The Kaiserpfalz explains why kings came here.
The cathedral explains why Frankfurt became one of the most important political cities of the Holy Roman Empire.
Fun Facts
- It is called a “Kaiserdom,” but it isn't technically a cathedral. It has the title because of its extraordinary connection with the Holy Roman Emperors.
- Thirty German kings were elected in Frankfurt, and ten Holy Roman Emperors were crowned here between 1562 and 1792.
- The cathedral tower is 95 meters high, making it one of the defining landmarks of Frankfurt's old town.
- The cathedral was not always surrounded by today's Römerberg. The medieval city grew around the church, the royal palace, the Main crossing, and the developing marketplace.
Guide Tips
- Walk around the cathedral to appreciate its impressive Gothic architecture from different angles.
- Visit the cathedral's 22-meter-high altar, standing above the supposed grave of Saint Bartholomew.
- Learn about the cathedral's role in the election and coronation of German kings and Holy Roman Emperors.
- Explore the surrounding Römerberg, where the medieval city grew around the cathedral.
Opening Hours
Mon-Sun: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM