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Historical, commercial,
 The financial district |
Westend Frankfurt, HES 60325 Germany |
Frankfurt's love affair with the world of finance began as long ago as the Middle Ages, when traders from all over Europe brought their wares to the city for sale. Over the past few decades, Frankfurt has developed into one of the world's most important financial metropolises. Most German banks now have their head offices in the Taunus area, as do the European Central Bank and numerous other major international institutions. The wish to be the biggest and the best is reflected in the financial district's skyline, affectionately known by locals as 'Mainhattan' because of its mass of skyscrapers. In September, some of these buildings are open to the public for a 'skyscraper festival', when visitors can climb to the top of the Commerzbank building (258m) and enjoy the view from the twin towers of the Deutsche Bank (155 m) and the Messeturm (256m). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brian Sholis |
 Photo: Matthew Rubin |
 Photo: Jonas Sauciunas |
 Photo: Stuart Hall |
 Photo: Dimitar Denev |
 Photo: Aaron Pulkka |
 Photo: Jessica.mingyu |
 Photo: Gordon Jenks |
 Photo: Hele Oakley |
 Renaissance architecture and inspiring frescos |
Münzgasse 9 Frankfurt, HES 60311 Germany +49 69 23 5684 http://www.frankfurt.de/sixcms... |
Built between 1460 and 1520, this historic monastery is worth a visit for its architecture alone. Yet there is much more to see than just thick brick walls. The refectory is considered to be one of the most beautiful Renaissance-period buildings in the city, and Joerg Ratgeb's frescos in the hallway rank among the most important wall-paintings in the whole of Europe. After the last monks (of the Karmeliter Order) left the monastery in 1803, it was turned into a military barracks. Nowadays, the building is home to the Museum of Early History, the Institute of Urban History and a public art gallery. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mike Tice |
 Chinese gardens |
Friedberger Landstraße/Berger Straße Frankfurt, HES 60311 Germany +49 (0)69 2123 8849 (Touristen Information) http://www.chinaseiten.de/gart... |
Located next to the Bethmann Park in Bornheim and landscaped in 1990 according to the age old principles of feng shui, the Chinese Gardens are the perfect place to sit back, relax and meditate. The 'Garden of Heavenly Freedom' contains pagodas, sculptures and a host of exotic plants, but the undoubted highlights are the Jade Bridge and the Gallery of Aromatic Waters. Tai Chi groups meet here on Sundays, and watching their slow, careful movements, you are transported to the other side of the world, to the land of yin and yang. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Roland Hachmann |
 Photo: Robert Eric |
 Photo: Leigh Haugseth |
 Photo: Katrin Börner |
 Photo: Justyna Pagenkemper |
 Photo: Christine Spurkel |
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Medieval tower |
Eschenheimer Tor 1 Frankfurt, HES 60318 Germany +49 69 28 1171 http://www.klinipharm.com/en/ |
This circular tower was built as part of the Medieval wall which encircled the city. Beginning in the 15th century, Frankfurt's citizens tried to protect themselves with high walls, water barriers and watchtowers like the Sachsenhäuser Warte in the south of the city, or the Bockenheimer Warte and the Friedberger Warte in the north and west. Approximately 60 towers surrounded the city to protect its citizens from all kinds of dangers from the countryside. The bistro E.T. im Turm is also located in the tower. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Cybergabi |
 Photo: Tambako the Jaguar  |
 Photo: Sam Sipes |
 Photo: rtiberiu |
 Photo: Arnim Schulz |
 Photo: Rafael Espinosa |
 Photo: Steve Shaw |
 Photo: tuxdriver |
 Photo: Sandra |
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Mozart, Wagner, Verdi, Offenbach and Berg |
Untermainanlage 11 Frankfurt, HES 60311 Germany +49 69 2 1202 http://www.oper-frankfurt.de |
Opera is a burning issue in Frankfurt in more ways than one. Outsiders tend to associate it with the Alte Oper or the Opernbühne, but both were completely destroyed in the Second World War. A new building was opened in 1951 but burned to the ground in 1987, being reopened some four years later. The stucco sculpting on the ceiling of the foyer is of particular architectural interest. Reminscent of cloud formations, it is visible from the outside through a large window. The works of the six operatic stalwarts are staged here more than anything else, though they also alternate with more recent composers. Instead of a permanent programme, the Oper Frankfurt currently employs a 'staggione' system, staging performances in groups. The reputation of the opera house used to be a cut above the rest, but is currently on the wane as a result of internal disputes, despite some spectacular productions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fred Wenzel |
 Photo: Alexander Sperl |
 Photo: wilmet shea |
 Photo: wilmet shea |
 Photo: Dennis Knake |
 Photo: -Arantxa- |
 Photo: Patrik Levén |
 Photo: Luiz De Simone |
 Photo: Greg Smith |
 Photo: jonmatdav |
 Photo: Henry T. Carlson |
 Photo: Claire Moss |
 Photo: The Jesslinger Family |
 Photo: Jessica Hsu |
 Photo: Bill Lesar |
 Photo: Jennifer Burkholder |
 Photo: Diego |
 Photo: putaobarney |
 Photo: Shawnee Stroud |
 Photo: Beatriz Martinez |
 Photo: Paul Vaughan YYZ |
 Photo: zamboniland |
 Photo: Denise Yagui |
 Photo: Simeon Lawson |
 Photo: Sarah Albietz |
 Photo: Trek the World |
 Photo: juanolo |
 Photo: Annika Peltoranta |
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Germany's highest wooden tower |
Sachsenhäuser Landwehrweg / Im Stadtwald Frankfurt, HES 60599 Germany |
During the 19th century a lookout tower stood in the easterly section of the town forest. In 1931 a new tower made from wood was erected at the highest point in Sachsenhausen. As this area is supposed to have been a favourite spot of the famous poet Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, the tower was named after him. The building is made mainly from local forest wood. With a height of 43 metres and 198 steps, the tower is the highest wooden tower in Germany. From the top you get a breath-taking view of Frankfurt, the town forest and the surrounding area. On a clear day you can also see the mountains of Taunus, Spessart, Odenwald, Vogelsberg and further-afield. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bert N. |
 Photo: Stephan Mosel |
 Photo: Michael |
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Main train station |
Am Hauptbahnhof Bahnhofsviertel Frankfurt, HES 60329 Germany +49 69 2123 8800 (Tourist Information Center) |
Frankfurt's main train station was opened in 1888 after five hard years of construction work. It is still one of the largest train stations in Europe with 25 platforms and over 1,500 trains departing every day. The monumental natural stone facade features an ornamental clock and is crowned by a sculpture of Atlas bearing the earth on his shoulders. The building is split up into three halls, all of which have been recently renovated. The station now boasts dozens of shops, food outlets and a stylish waiting room. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Björn Láczay |
 Photo: Thomas Pitz |
 Photo: erin.paikea |
 Photo: Andreas Marx |
 Photo: Christian Blumensath |
 Photo: Prasad Shetty, India |
 Photo: Humberto Salicetti |
 Photo: west.advocate |
 Photo: Michael Fuchs |
 Photo: Jose Martinez |
 Photo: Jennifer MacDaid |
 Photo: Moira Dunworth |
 Photo: Vinoth Kumar |
 Photo: tossmeanote |
 Photo: Mark Douglass |
 Photo: ilovetk911 |
 Photo: David Deyo |
 Photo: Terence |
 Photo: Jay Denhart |
 Busy food market |
Schillerstraße Frankfurt, HES 60313 Germany |
Schillerstraße is an up-river shopping street located in the vicinity of the Frankfurt stock market which transforms into a busy food market every Friday. At midday, businessmen and brokers flock here to buy lunch from one of the stands offering rolls, falafels or spicy sausages. In the afternoon, the scene changes: housewives, students and older people stop here to stock up on fresh food for the weekend. Items sold here include cheese, meats, fruit, vegetables and international specialities. The market presents a good opportunity to buy local produce. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Close to the cathedral |
Weckmarkt 13-15 Frankfurt, HES 60311 Germany +49 69 28 8287 |
The Metropol is located close to the cathedral and you'll find a mixed crowd enjoying the food here. The room is brightly lit and the interiors constitute large wooden tables. You may also seat yourself by the window on leather corner seats. Right in the middle, a colorful column is a real attention grabber. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Art forum in a neo-classical portal |
Weckmarkt 17 Frankfurt, HES 60311 Germany +49 69 2199 8760 / +49 69 2199 8759 http://www.portikus.de |
The town library, which was destroyed during the Second World War, has one remaining relic: the neo-classical Portikus ('portal') dating from 1825, located on Frankfurt's Obermainbrücke bridge. In 1987, the interior of the Portikus was turned into a forum for contemporary art, run by the well-known Städel College of Art. The pleasant and bright exhibition room with its eight glass domes makes a wonderful backdrop for the modern artworks. Internationally recognised artists, unknown artists and students can display their works here. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Eastern wing of the Römer |
Römerberg Frankfurt, HES 60311 Germany |
After Frankfurt's old town was destroyed during the Second World War, heated discussions took place as to how the area between the Dom and Römer should be rebuilt. Towards the end of the 1970s the town council began to reconstruct the half-timbered houses on the east side of the Römerberg. In 1981 work began on the so-called 'Ostzeile' or 'eastern wing', which resulted in the erection of buildings which bear names like Grosser Engel (The Giant Angel) and Goldener Greif (Golden Griffin). These buildings caused much controversy among locals but the Römerberg does look a lot better for them. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gertrud Kanu |
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Well of justice |
Römerberg Frankfurt, HES 60311 Germany |
The Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen ("Well of Justice") was built in 1541, probably on the site of an even older well, in the middle of the Römerberg - Frankfurt's central square. The water had a 2km route to reach the wells. In 1610, the wells were provided with stone interiors and presided over by the impressive Statue of Justice. When Kaiser Matthias was crowned in 1612, wine - instead of water - flowed freely from the mouths of the stone lions. In 1887, the wells were renovated and the stone figures copied. The original sandstone statues were moved to the Museum of Local History. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Wendall Hall |
 Frankfurt Zoo |
Adolf-Brehm-Platz 16 Frankfurt, HES 60316 Germany +49 69 2123 3735 http://www.zoo-frankfurt.de/ |
Frankfurt Zoo was established in 1858 and is one of the oldest in Germany. The zoo is linked closely with the name of the famous animal expert and researcher Bernhard Grzimek. After the War, it was Dr. Crzimek who took care of rebuilding the wrecked buildings. After being appointed as the zoo's director, he also took care of purchasing animals, new buildings and modern enclosures. The special attractions today are the tigers, lions and leopards, the snakes and spiders, and the so-called day and night house which simulates the night-time - so that visitors can see what animals get up to after dark! The 11 hectare zoo now boasts over 600 different species and a total of 5,000 animals. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peter Storch |
 Photo: Barbara Fuhrer |
 Photo: Thorsten Renners |