The Römerberg is the central square in Frankfurt's Altstadt (Old Town). For most visitors this is the first stop on their trail.
Trade Fairs
Starting in the 12th century, large trade fairs were held on the Römerberg, drawing visitors and merchants from as far as Italy and France. Some of the fairs like the Frankfurt Book Fair are still being held, although they moved a long time ago from the square to new facilities. The Römerberg was also the site of all kind of festivities, most importantly those celebrating the coronation of the Holy Roman Emperors, who were crowned in the town hall, the 'Zum Römer' or Römer in short.
Ostzeile
The east side of the square, opposite the Römer is known as the Ostzeile. This row of
picturesque half-timbered houses are reconstructions of the original 15th and 16th century houses. In March of 1944 bombardments flattened the whole historic district, including the Römerberg. Some of the historic buildings, like the Römer, were reconstructed soon after the war. The Ostzeile however wasn't rebuilt until 1983.
Historisches Museum
Models of the Römerberg can be seen at the Historisches Museum, just south of the Römerberg. It shows the history of Frankfurt, including the destruction after the war. The museum also features a large model of the city in the Middle Ages.
Alte Nikolaikirche
In front of the Historisches Museum is the Alte Nikolaikirche, a small early gothic church built in 1290. It was used as the court chapel for the emperors until the 15th century. A carillon of 35 bells chimes every day at 9:05, 12:05 and 17:05.
Fountain of Justice
The Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen (Fountain of Justice) at the center of the square was built in 1543. The statue of goddess Justitia, holding the scales of justice but without her usual blindfold, faces the Römer.
Trade FairsStarting in the 12th century, large trade fairs were held on the Römerberg, drawing visitors and merchants from as far as Italy and France. Some of the fairs like the Frankfurt Book Fair are still being held, although they moved a long time ago from the square to new facilities. The Römerberg was also the site of all kind of festivities, most importantly those celebrating the coronation of the Holy Roman Emperors, who were crowned in the town hall, the 'Zum Römer' or Römer in short.
Ostzeile
The east side of the square, opposite the Römer is known as the Ostzeile. This row of
picturesque half-timbered houses are reconstructions of the original 15th and 16th century houses. In March of 1944 bombardments flattened the whole historic district, including the Römerberg. Some of the historic buildings, like the Römer, were reconstructed soon after the war. The Ostzeile however wasn't rebuilt until 1983.Historisches Museum
Models of the Römerberg can be seen at the Historisches Museum, just south of the Römerberg. It shows the history of Frankfurt, including the destruction after the war. The museum also features a large model of the city in the Middle Ages.
Alte NikolaikircheIn front of the Historisches Museum is the Alte Nikolaikirche, a small early gothic church built in 1290. It was used as the court chapel for the emperors until the 15th century. A carillon of 35 bells chimes every day at 9:05, 12:05 and 17:05.
Fountain of Justice
The Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen (Fountain of Justice) at the center of the square was built in 1543. The statue of goddess Justitia, holding the scales of justice but without her usual blindfold, faces the Römer.
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