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Between 1562 and 1792, Emperors’ Cathedral served as the coronation site of eight emperors and two kings. Just a short while ago, you would have experienced first-hand the coronation of Joseph II.

But what else does Emperors’ Cathedral have to offer nowadays, aside from the countless special events that are held there?

Well, for a start, did you know that it is possible to climb a staircase to the very top of the cathedral? The reward for ascending the 328 steps of the 66-metre-tall tower is a fantastic view of the narrow laneways and picturesque plazas of the new old town down below, not to mention a bird’s-eye view of the former imperial coronation route. Moreover, the observation platform also offers visitors breathtaking vistas of the city’s famous skyline and the Frankfurt Museum Embankment down along the River Main.

Our insider’s tip

Try a piece of Frankfurt Crown Cake at “Kaffeehaus Goldene Waage”, situated directly across from the cathedral. And while you do, try to guess what this sweet delicacy is meant to resemble.

Frankfurt’s old town looks back on a long and storied past, one that dates back more than twelve hundred years. Today, the so-called New Frankfurt Old Town stands tall as one of the most significant architectural achievements of modern times.

Few known that Frankfurt’s old town was almost entirely destroyed during the air raids of the Second World War. The 15 faithful reconstructions that make up part of the “new” old town are all based on the blueprints of their historical predecessors, while the 20 new constructions represent a much more modern style, one that however incorporates many typical architectonic elements of former times, including traditional characteristics such as colourful building façades, old house symbols, timber-frame components and ornaments made of local sandstone.

Today, the Hühnermarkt with the Stoltze Fountain at its centre is once again at the heart of Frankfurt's old town. The fountain, which had not yet stood there at the time of the coronation, is dedicated to the famous Frankfurt writer and dialect poet, Friedrich Stoltze.

It is also here that you’ll find “Haus zum Esslinger”, the former home of J.W. Goethe’s favourite aunt, Johanna Melber, whom he visited there regularly.

Come and immerse yourself in the New Frankfurt Old Town with its winding laneways and picturesque plazas, its shops, restaurants, cafés and museums. You’ll find plenty of space and opportunity to relax, enjoy and discover.

The Römerberg old town centre has been hosting festivals, markets, fairs and tournaments since the 09^th century. It also served as a place of execution and the site of imperial elections and coronations.

You may be more familiar with the Römerberg as the home of the famous Frankfurt Christmas Market or as a site used to host festive receptions. It was here, for example, that the German women's national football team was celebrated after their World Cup victory in 2003. More recently, the city’s most famous football team, Eintracht Frankfurt, was welcomed here after their DFB Cup victory in 2018.

One thing hasn’t changed through the centuries: The Römerberg continues to be the centre of Frankfurt’s old town.

The Römer is the premier landmark of Frankfurt, right alongside the city skyline. Whether you’re here on business or pleasure, a visitor or a local – the beautiful Römerberg is a photo opportunity not to be missed.

However, the Römer is not only impressive from the outside. Inside, Emperors’ Hall presents itself as the building’s absolute highlight. But don’t take our word for it: Come in and take a look for yourself. It is open to the public.

And finally, did you know that this patrician house was chosen to become Frankfurt’s town hall way back in 1405? And it has remained the seat of the city’s lord mayor to this very day! With a bit of luck, you might even bump into him during your visit.