Frankfurt Cathedral — Attraction in Frankfurt

Frankfurt’s red sandstone cathedral is iconic in its true sense. One can sense the diorama of a distant era as soon as one opens the wooden arc-shaped door at the western entrance. To the right is a towering Crucifixion Group sculpted by Hans Backoffen of Mainz in 1509 and to the other end of the central aisle is the famed St. Bartholomaeus Altar, a purple patch that hosted the coronation of ten monarchs of the Holy Roman Empire between 1562 and 1792. But if one really wants to get floored, he needs to look down. On the western part of the nave, you find a strange inscription on the sandstone floor. It says: Grab eines adeligen mädchens um 1980. In English, it means: Grave of a noble girl, circa 680. Now that’s how ancient this place is. According to official records, the present-day construction is the fifth structure known to have existed at this location. Following a Merovingian chapel that originated in 680 and a Carolingian single-vessel hall church, in 852 the Salvator Basilica of the Carolingian imperial palace was built. In 1239, the church was dedicated to apostle Bartholomew, whose skullcap is venerated as the cathedral’s most important relic. With the Golden Bull of 1356, emperor Charles IV decreed that the church would be used to elect and crown the new king. From that moment on, German kings and emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were elected here. This led to its current popular name, Kaiserdom or literally translated Emperor's Cathedral. In fact, the Imperial Cathedral is not a cathedral at all since it was never a bishop’s church. Some of the other highlights of the cathedral include a Bartholomew frieze with 27 scenes, c. 1420; choir stalls dating back to the 13th Century; and the painting of the Lamentation of Christ, 1627, by Anton van Dyck. At the southern transept of the cathedral, one can also find the largest organ in Frankfurt. It has 71 sounding voices with 6,400 pipes, divided into five separate works, which fill the high gothic cathedral from the tenderest pianissimo to the mightiest pleno. Another interesting aspect about the cathedral is its west tower, which stands 95 meters tall. For three euros, one could climb 328 steps to the top of the tower. The climb can be a little claustrophobic because of the small space and the curvilinear trail but in the end, it offers one of the most spectacular views...

Wonder ful building but it is not a church Frankfurt Cathedral, officially Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew is a Roman Catholic Gothic church located in the centre of Frankfurt am Main, Germany. It is dedicated to Saint Bartholomew. It is the largest religious building in the city and a former collegiate church. The present-day church is the fifth structure known to have existed at this location. Following a Merovingian chapel that originated in 680 and a Carolingian single-vessel hall church, in 852 the Salvator Basilica of the Carolingian imperial palace was built. The Late Romanesque Bartholomew’s choir was consecrated in 1239, named for the apostle Bartholomew, whose skullcap is venerated as the cathedral’s most important relic. Construction and expansion of the still-extant Gothic nave and the aisles began in 1260. The representative west tower was built in 1415. In 1867, the cathedral fell victim to a major fire. Franz Joseph Denzinger led its Neo-Gothic restoration. Only then did the tower receive its spire according to plans drawn up by cathedral master builder Madern Gerthener in 1415, rising 95 metres into the air.

Restoration of damage from the war began in 1948 and has given the cathedral its present-day appearance. Visitors enter through the stone-vaulted atrium, which was built in 1879/80 and contains the baroque altar depicting Mary’s Assumption. In the nave, visitors are surprised by the bright red colour, which was brought about by the restoration of 1992/1994. The Elector’s Chapel, where kings were elected, emerges south of the medieval High Choir.

The cathedral museum in the medieval cloister shows exhibits from the cathedral’s treasury and spectacular finds from the grave of a girl from the late Merovingian period in the 7th century. From April to October, it is possible to climb the tower. Visitors who climb the 324 steps are rewarded with a magnificent...

Majestic, Peaceful, and Rich with History – A Must-See in Frankfurt!

The Frankfurt Cathedral, also known as Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus, is one of the most awe-inspiring landmarks in the city. Towering above the skyline with its distinctive Gothic architecture and reddish sandstone exterior, this cathedral is not only a spiritual site but a place deeply rooted in German imperial history.

What makes this cathedral special is its powerful presence and serene atmosphere. Inside, you're greeted by stunning stained-glass windows, intricate carvings, and soaring vaulted ceilings that leave you in quiet awe. It’s peaceful, calming, and truly makes you reflect — whether you're religious or not.

Historically, it played a central role in the Holy Roman Empire, where emperors were elected and crowned, which adds a layer of significance that you can feel while walking through the nave or standing at the altar.

Don’t miss the cathedral tower! Climbing the 300+ steps to the top is a bit of a workout, but the panoramic view of Frankfurt’s old town, the Main River, and the modern skyline is absolutely worth it. It's one of the best viewpoints in the entire city.

Entry is free for the main cathedral, with a small fee for the tower climb and museum area. Everything is well-maintained and the staff are friendly and helpful.

Photo Tip: Great shots of the exterior from Römerberg and the Main River — and the interior lighting is especially beautiful in the afternoon.

A must-visit historical and cultural gem. Whether you're interested in architecture, history, religion, or just want to experience Frankfurt’s heart and soul, the Cathedral is...