Frankfurt: From Bankfurt to Cultural Hub
Banking and Business
Frankfurt, Germany’s financial capital, boasts an impressive skyline dominated by skyscrapers. The banking district includes the iconic twin towers of Deutsche Bank, the Euro Tower, and the futuristic Commerzbank headquarters, designed by renowned architect Norman Foster. This 985-foot skyscraper features nine spiraling winter gardens and windows that actually open, earning it the distinction of being the world’s first ecological skyscraper.
Culture and the Arts
In the 1980s, Frankfurt embarked on a cultural transformation, shedding its “Bankfurt” image. Today, it is a thriving arts and culture destination. Nine museums line the banks of the Main River, showcasing architecture, film, world cultures, and European art. The historic Romerberg, the city’s main square, is surrounded by notable landmarks such as City Hall, with its Imperial Hall where Holy Roman Emperors were crowned.
Pre-War and Post-War Frankfurt
Saalgasse, just off the main square, offers a glimpse into Frankfurt’s pre-World War II past. Famous architects from around the world were commissioned to design new buildings on this street, reflecting the structures that stood there before the war. The result is a lane of postmodern buildings that echo their predecessors.
St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, the coronation site for Holy Roman Emperors, also tells a tale of pre-war and post-war Frankfurt. During the war, everything of value was moved to safety, but the Chapel of Sleeping Mary was too large to move. Instead, it was fortified with sandbags, and miraculously, the altarpiece and stained glass survived. The rest of the cathedral was destroyed but was later rebuilt and reopened in 1955.
Literary and Historical Connections
Frankfurt is the birthplace of literary giants Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Anne Frank. Goethe House, where Goethe spent his childhood, is now a museum furnished as it was in the mid-18th century. The city also has a thriving Jewish Museum, housed in the former Rothschild Palace, which tells the story of Frankfurt’s Jewish population, including the wealthy Rothschild family.
Food and Drink
For a traditional Frankfurt experience, head to Sachsenhausen, the city’s apple-wine pub district. This charming neighborhood is home to over a hundred apple-wine pubs, where you can sample this local drink, which has been enjoyed in the region for over 1,200 years. Apfelwein, similar in strength to beer, is served spiced and warm in winter and cold in summer. Pair your drink with traditional Frankfurt dishes such as sausage or pork chops with kraut.
A Modern City with Historical Charm
Frankfurt is a city of contrasts, where towering skyscrapers coexist with quaint, cobblestone streets. From the seedy to the sublime, from the financial district to the arts and culture scene, there’s something for everyone in Frankfurt. While it may not have the old-world charm of other German cities, Frankfurt offers a glimpse into modern Germany, a country that has embraced both tradition and innovation. So, whether you’re a budget traveler looking for a convenient hub or a culture enthusiast seeking hidden gems, Frankfurt is a city worth exploring.
