The Freedom Movement of 1848

The Revolution of 1848 represents a highly significant milestone on Germany’s road to democracy. The first-ever German national assembly met in Frankfurt on 18th May 1848 and there formed the basis for a democratic constitution.

Our specially conceived theme walk takes you to some of the most famous sites of the Revolution of 1848, with St Paul’s Church being at the centre of attention. Known far and wide as “the cradle of German democracy”, St Paul’s Church remains to this day a symbol of freedom and democracy in all of Germany.

Meeting point:

In front of the main entrance of St. Paul’s Church, Paulsplatz

Tour locations:

• Römerberg (a place famous for its liberal and democratic history)
• New Frankfurt Old Town incl. the “Hühnermarkt” plaza and the Stoltze Monument (Friedrich Stoltze was a passionate Frankfurt democrat and a member of the so-called “pre-March era” that led up to the Revolution of 1848.)
• Braubachstraße / Steinernes Haus (The ‘Stone House” was a place of assembly for the St Paul’s Church parliamentarians.)
• St Paul’s Church (telling of the history behind the assembly, the day-to-day events, the drafting of first national constitution and the eventual defeat of the revolution)
• Liebfrauenberg (Focus: the break-up of parties into fractions, parliamentarians and their life stories, Friedrich Stoltze and the revolution)
• Hauptwache (Focus: the pre-revolutionary period and the attack of the central guard station)
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• Thurn und Taxis Palace (Seat of Germany’s parliament, the “Bundestag”, from 1815 onwards)

Important note:

Official opening hours of St. Paul's Church: daily 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Unfortunately, the TCF is not able to ensure accessibility of St Paul’s Church at all times. This locations belongs to a selection of representative chambers of the City of Frankfurt am Main and may at that time be being used for official municipal functions, even short-term.

To ensure that St. Paul's Church is accessible on the day of your tour, please reserve the church prior to booking your guided tour with us. To make a reservation, please contact the Protocol Department of the City of Frankfurt am Main by e-mail: protokoll@stadt-frankfurt.de