Frankfurt is one of the top travel destinations in Europe. Germany’s capital city has an amazing variety of food, culture, and landmarks to explore. This article will introduce you to 10 famous landmarks you should visit in Frankfurt. From the Alte Oper House to the Frankfurt Cathedral, here are Famous Landmarks to Visit in Frankfurt that make up this fascinating city!
The Alte Oper House
This opera house first opened its doors in 1743 and is one of the oldest concert halls in Europe. It also features a European cultural history collection from its earliest days. The Alte Oper houses concerts, theatre, and symphonic performances, and operas from all around the world.
The Anselm of Canterbury Church
Built during the Gothic Revival period in 1839, this church is named for St Anselm who was a founder of scholasticism and theology as we know it today. It’s one of Frankfurt’s most important buildings due to its historical significance.
The Goethe Building
This building was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and is among Frankfurt’s most iconic designs. It houses both offices and a library with more than 400,000 books about art, architecture, literature.
Frankfurt Cathedral
The Frankfurt Cathedral is one of Frankfurt’s most famous and important landmarks. It’s a 12th-century church that was originally built to replace the old St. Stephen’s Church, which was destroyed in the fire of 1161. The cathedral is also known as Kaiserdom, which means “Imperial Cathedral.”
The cathedral is located on the east bank of Frankfurt’s Main River. It was converted from a church to a mosque in 1663, but it became Catholic again when German reunification took place in 1990.
The cathedral has three main towers, and it includes the crypts of many influential German figures, including Otto von Bismarck and Friedrich Schiller. It’s well worth checking out!
Gereonsplatz Square
The Gereonsplatz is a beautiful square with a lot of history. It is known as the city’s “European Square.” In the center of the square, you will find a large, bronze statue called “Der Berg” or The Mountain. The work depicts the symbol of Frankfurt, with its roots deep in Frankish history.
The statue was made in 1848 by Friedrich Wilhelm Schwanthaler and was unveiled on November 1st of that year to commemorate Emperor Franz I’s coronation. There was also a fountain in the middle of the square where people used to gather and take baths. When World War II broke out, this fountain was destroyed, but it has since been rebuilt and now sits at the foot of Schwanthaler’s bronze statue.
In addition to this cultural landmark, Gereonsplatz is also home to other famous attractions like banks and office buildings from centuries ago.
Main River Cruise
The Main River Cruise is a great option if you’re looking for a navigable excursion in Frankfurt. It is a 2-hour cruise that starts in the heart of Frankfurt and it goes through the port areas, along the banks of the river, and into the Altstadt district. The boat will take you past various landmarks including the Fishermen’s Bastion, the Neues Museum, and more. It also gives you a great opportunity to get some up-close views of these beautiful attractions from onboard.
The Main River Cruise also includes plenty of stops at points along the way where you can get off for photo opportunities. Plus, it makes for a perfect way to start or end your day in Frankfurt!
Gallus Tower
The Gallus Tower or the “old tower” is a famous landmark in Frankfurt. It was built during the 13th century and has been rebuilt twice afterward. The tower’s architecture is mainly Gothic, but it also contains elements of Renaissance architecture.
The Gallus Tower can be seen from all over Frankfurt and is one of the city’s most iconic sights. It stands at 75 meters tall with its large spire and has an incredible view of Frankfurt and its surroundings. Its spire is topped with a cross that adds to the tower’s Gothic appearance.
The tower is open from 9 am-6 pm every day except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, when it will be closed from 10 am- 6 pm instead. Admission costs 8 Euros for adults and 4 Euros for children with an accompanying adult.
German Historical Museum
The Alte Oper House is one of the most famous landmarks in Frankfurt. This landmark houses a number of exhibitions and can be found on Museum Island. It’s not just a museum, but a cultural landmark as well.
The German Historical Museum is one of the oldest museums in Germany and houses priceless collections from worldwide. The museum has been open since 1912 and is housed in what used to be an old hospital. This museum offers an extensive look into Germany’s history and includes many interesting to-scale models from different periods throughout history.
Paul's Church
St. Paul’s Church is one of the most iconic buildings in Frankfurt. It’s the largest Protestant church in Germany and is located on a hilltop with a stunning view of the city below.
The spire at St. Paul’s Church, which Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann designed, is the third tallest spire in Europe. It stands at 395 feet and is visible from many parts of Frankfurt and other parts of Germany and beyond.
This makes it one of Frankfurt’s most recognizable landmarks that you’ll definitely want to explore! If you can’t make it up there to see the spire for yourself, you can always head down to Muffelhütte Bridge where you can see it out your window while walking across the bridge.
The Jewish Quarter of Frankfurt
The Jewish Quarter of Frankfurt is located in the city’s center and is one of the most important historic sites in the city. This area was originally founded by Jews and later became a hub of cultural life for many other groups of people.
The Jewish Quarter is home to some interesting landmarks, such as the Brückenkopf Synagogue, which dates back to 1838. The synagogue was built in a neo-Gothic style and features stained glass windows and two ornate organs. It is one of the few synagogues that survived World War II without any damage.
Another landmark located here is Frankfurt Cathedral, which was originally constructed in 1402. It was built on top of an 11th-century church, making it one of the oldest churches in Germany. Today, it is still used for religious purposes but also features an art gallery and library that offer a glimpse into its history.
Then there are the picturesque courtyards of the Rathaus Dortmunder Strasse with their mosaic floors designed by Johann Michael Rottmayr between 1702-1704 and decorated with faience panels bearing coats-of-arms (Rothenburg). These four courtyards were used as a marketplace.
Conclusion
It’s easy to find your way around Frankfurt with this guide in hand.
With Frankfurt’s rich history, you can find something new to discover every day from the Alte Oper House to the Gereonsplatz Square. The list of places to visit in Frankfurt is endless and this guide will help you find your way around each landmark. From the Alte Oper House to the Gallus Tower, there is an endless list of things to do and see in Frankfurt.