Today Frankfurt am Main is associated with banks and trade. Frankfurt is reckoned as the world financial center and city is often called as the city of the managers and marketers.
Near the Frankfurt located biggest airport in Europe so the city is a one of the biggest transport hubs in the world. Many from us visited this city (or will visit) for a short time when changed one air line to another. I think it’s worth to stay in Frankfurt a little more and explore the cultural monuments, attractions, restaurants and bars of the city.
The History of the Frankfurt am Main
The name of the city originates from the word “Franconofurt” where the “Franc” means the name of German tribe and the “Furt” means crossing of the river. First time the name of the city appeared in the 794 with the direct pointing to this location.
The word “frank” translated as “loosely” and according to the one of the legends the name of the city roots from the fact that at this point existed free crossing through the Main.
At the times of the The Holy Roman Empire Frankfurt am Main was very important city. German Emperors were elected here and after that they were crowned at city of Aachen.
Together with political importance Frankfurt played a great role in the cultural progress of the Europe. The first book fair was organized in the city in the 1478 and this event continues to be most important in the Europe in the nowadays.
In the 1372 Frankfurt became imperial city. For city it’s meant the direct subordination to the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and some kind of the freedom in trade and business. Of course it’s positively influenced the development of the city.
At the times of Napoleon Frankfurt am Main was few times besieged by the French troops. From 1810 to 1813 the city was even included to the France. After the 1815 (defeat of Napoleon) Frankfurt am Main was declared as the free city of the German Confederation. The city hosted first German parliament – Bundestag.
Frankfurt lost its independence in 1866 when after the Prussian-Austrian war the city has been joined to the Prussia.
The city was badly damaged during the World War Second. We can even say that city was wiped off from the surface of the earth. But after the war it was restored and rebuilt.
During the restoration the city gained new guise. Only small part of historical center has been restored with keeping track of the historical accordance. A lot of skyscrapers were built and city even got new name – “Manhattan of Europe”
Shore of Museums
There are a few towns in the world which could boast such museums as in Frankfurt. Almost all museums in the city located at the place called the Shore of Museums.
The Shore of the Museums is a cultural center of the Frankfurt. Here, at the area that stretches along the Mine River, you can find 13 wonderful museums including famous Stadel. By the way, each last Saturday they are opened for free visit (unfortunately Stadel doesn’t included into the list)
What museums you can visit in Frankfurt am Main? The Museum of Communications, the Museum of the Cinema which reckoned as the best in Germany, the Museum of the World Cultures, the Museums of Icons and many, many others. And of course the famous Stadel where you can see the works of such artists as Sandro Botticelli and El Greco.
The Shore of the Museums also is a place where different festivals and celebrations are conducting in the Frankfurt.
Cathedral (Dom) of the Frankfurt
Frankly speaking I was not deeply impressed by this building. For me it’s too plain and too simple. But for those who are interested in the history of Germany Cathedral of Frankfurt will be great destination because it’s unique monument of the German history. It was exactly the place where Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were elected.
Also you can lift to the tower of Cathedral and enjoy by the great view of the Frankfurt from the altitude of the bird flight. To do it you will need to overcome 328 steps. And when you down you can visit the Archeological garden of the Frankfurt although this place is not impressive.
Romerberg
In the Frankfurt there are not many historical buildings. They all concentrated at the Romerberg square which is a historical center of the city. At the center of the square there is fountain which is topped by the statue of Themes.
In the Middle Ages, on holidays and days of coronation, from this fountain instead of water was poured the wine.
Another interesting fact - is that the statue of Themes in Frankfurt stands with open eyes. So you have rare opportunity to look at the eyes of the justice.
At the building on the corner which is called the “Big Angel” (Grosser Angel) in the 17 century was founded first bank in the Frankfurt.
But the main building here – is old City Hall which is called the Home of Romer. This building is one of the symbols of Frankfurt. I don’t know exactly the time when this building was built. First mentioning about it - is dated by the 1405 when the City Council bought this building and turned it into the City Hall. Before it this building was the bar.
Of course after the acquisition Home of Romer has been refurbished.
I can’t say that this is the true but in the 16th century the Romerberg reckoned as the most beautiful square in the Holy Roman Empire.
Goethe House
Frankfurt is a native city of Goethe. The house where great poet was born has been destroyed on World War Second but it was restored with the accordance to the historical details.
Guardhouse (Hauptwache)
One of the most interesting buildings in Frankfurt - is an old guardhouse which is a nice example of baroque in the city. Today this building hosts a few market zones. Another two shopping centers you can find nearby.
Alte Oper
The Old Opera in Frankfurt located at the south-west from the Guardhouse. It was the very ambitious project and its architects tried to surpass the opera in Paris. But no one concert has been conducted here. The building was destroyed at World War Second and revamped in the 1976-1981. After that it hosts the congresses and exhibitions.
