The completion of the historical reconstructions between the Römerberg and the cathedral, as well as the Christmas Market, taking place since 1393, are good reasons to visit Frankfurt once again.
We have booked the recently opened Motel One Frankfurt-Römer. As the name suggests, it is only about 200 m from the Römerberg.
City Hall – Römer
From the hotel, it is only a short walk to the Römer. Since 1405, the historic building has served as city hall of Frankfurt and is the seat of Lord Mayor.
We approach the building complex from the back. As we stand in front of the St Paul’s Church, we see the Ratskeller opposite. Right next to it, we reach the inner courtyards of the Römer.
The paintings on the walls show the preferences of the inhabitants of Frankfurt for their Äppelwoi, the wine made from apples.
In the midst of the court, a BMW etron (hybrid) is currently being charged at a charging station, what very much pleases us.
Unfortunately, the Emperor’s Hall is closed for an event, but we will visit it the next day. And so we stroll along the south side of the Römer and reach the Römerberg with the Christmas market.
The facades of the houses on the east side (Samstagsberg) catch our eyes. The half-timbered houses have a lot of windows, which is probably due to the fact that in former times one rented them out at coronation ceremonies.
We cross the square and see stalls offering chestnuts and mulled wine, as well as a historical children’s carousel. Then we walk towards the Schirn Kunsthalle, an exhibition hall for modern and contemporary art. Here, we take a quick look at the entrance area.
The new Frankfurt Old Town
But our interest is in the new Old Town of Frankfurt. The reconstruction of the medieval buildings, combined with new buildings is only recently completed. It is an attraction for many tourists. During this time of the year, they are mixed with many Christmas market visitors enjoying their mulled wine.
The stylized Königsweg, the royal road, was presumably the way of German Emperors and kings had to take at their coronation. We reach the Hühnermarkt with the Friedrich Stoltze Fountain in the center.
Straight ahead is the Frankfurt Cathedral. The artfully restored house on the corner in front of it is the Haus zur goldenen Waage, the House of the Golden Scales. It was first mentioned in 1323. Once built by a rich naturalized Dutch master baker, the house was completely destroyed in World War II. Inside, a branch of the Historical Museum is now being opened.
We return to the Hühnermarkt. On the northern side of the square rises the house of aunt Melber, the aunt of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, whom he often visited. She was a businesswoman with 11 children. Her lively life met with much sympathy from Goethe.
Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew
Slowly the twilight puts itself over the city, but first, we want to visit the Frankfurt Cathedral. Actually, this is a collegiate church, but due to the importance of the coronations, the name cathedral was established. Today the official name is Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew. Inside, we are somewhat surprised, because the nave is relatively short. But the transept is relatively long so that the cathedral looks like a central cross.
Right beside the main altar is a small chapel, chosen to serve as the electoral site for kings of the Holy Roman Empire in 1356. 16 elections and 10 coronations took place here. It is fair to say that this is an important place in German history.
Back on the Römerberg, we have another look at the Römer. Behind its balcony, the feasts after an election or coronation took place once.
Frankfurt Christmas Market
Now we like to take a closer look at individual stands; Like the Christmas tree decorations of the company Oliver Noll from Allendorf, or the wooden miniatures of the company Graupner from the Ore Mountains.
Suddenly, we hear gospel music. The Atterberry Chapel Choir from Frankfurt is on stage and performs some great songs. Not only we, but also the audience is enthusiastic.
We like the fact that one offers not only bockwurst and mulled wine. We see interesting products, like the decoration articles produced by Kunstgewerbe Gehlmann e. K. from Reken, or the classical and modern Christmas cribs, made by Holzschnitzerei Bachmann from Pfalzen near Bolzano.
The pottery Seifert from Königsau offers the typical Frankfurt Bembles, the jugs for Appelwoi.
We would especially like to mention the company Beauty & Wellness Tirol from Schliersee, that offers natural products from Tirol. All made from mare’s milk, marigold, goat’s butter, deer’s tallow, sheep’s milk or similar.
One should definitely visit the Sweet Almond Bar of Monika Eisenloh. Here you will find roasted almonds in all colors and flavors, including unusual creations. We couldn’t resist testing the almonds with chili. They were hot and delicious.
For this day we end our tour, but the Christmas Market still has to offer more so that we will make a continuation.
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