The Römer
(City Hall) and the Römerberg (Town Hall Square)
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.
