Three Gothic step-gables dating back to the 14th Century make up the impressive facade of the Römer and have long become the symbol of Frankfurt. The City Council bought them in 1405 and built eight other houses in similar style around them.

Until 1846 fairs and trading posts were set up in the central grounds of the complex, where the imperial hall was later built with 52 paintings of the emperors. Today the Römer houses the Town Hall and municipal legislature, besides other offices, such as the Civil Registry.

The Römerberg, or center of the city's old quarter has a history that goes all the way back to the times of the Hohenstaufen. At first, it was simply called Berg (mountain) or Samstagsberg (Saturday mountain). It has held its current name since the 15th Century, when the Council bought the houses surrounding the square in order to build a new city hall. The Römerberg's heyday was in the Early Middle Ages and early Modern Age, when Frankfurt's all important fair was held here, when elections and coronations of German Kings took place here. The exquisite Fountain of Justice is situated right in the middle of the square.

During World War II, the city's complete old quarter (including over 2000 houses with adjoining walls and the Römerberg) crumbled to the ground during one night of bombing raids and was reduced to ruins and ashes. Only the Wertheim House in the Fahrtor remained intact. Nowadays, the "Gudd Stubb" as the Römerberg is known in Frankfurt, has once more come to represent the city's old quarter, besides being one of the most visited places in Frankfurt.

This is all due to the reconstruction that substantially adhered to the original style of the Römer and the Ostzeile, with its picturesque and closely packed gabled houses as well as the old Church of St. Nicholas and the additional cultural centers such as the Historical Museum and the Schirn Art Gallery.

The Römerberg is also a place where shows, theatrical performances, music and folklore festivals are held, as well as one of the most beautiful Christmas Fairs in Germany.

While taking a German Language Course in Frankfurt be sure to head over to Römerberg to enjoy an afternoon in the sun and the charming surroundings.