Historic Churches of Frankfurt

In 2017, I had the chance to explore Europe.  A fifteen-hour layover in Frankfurt meant a tour of the Altstadt, the city’s Old Town. Enamoured is an understatement to describe how I felt the first time I saw centuries-old buildings. The history student in me was enlivened with all these structures standing side by side.  Of course, the seat of the Holy Roman Empire has a hundred and one and more stories to tell that my short stay is not enough... Frankfurt has many churches, Roman Catholic and Lutheran alike, and my walking tour from Alstadt to Sachsenhausen (via Eiserner Steg – the Iron Footbridge) took me to these churches.

Deutschordenskirche (Church of the Teutonic Order)

A hospital in 1182 originally stood in the grounds of the Deutschordenskirche. Taken over by the Teutonic Order in 1221, a Gothic aise-less church was constructed in 1309. High Gothic mural paintings depicting the stations of the cross and scenes of the crucifixion were created in the 1340s. The Baroque facade with axial portal was later added in the mid-18th century. The interior was transformed into the neo-Gothic style between 1881-1893. The spire, which was damaged following the bombings during World War II, was rebuilt in 1960.

Dreikonigskirche (Church of the Three Kings)

This Protestant parish church was once the site of a Gothic chapel until it was demolished in the 1870s to give way to a Neo-Gothic church.  A five-bay, vaulted main naive extended in the middle side naves with impressive stone galleries. Stain glass window by Charles Crodel was installed in 1956, while a new organ was installed by organ marker Karl Schuke in 1961.

Liebfrauenkirche

This Roman Catholic Parish church and minster was built in 1344. the belfry was erected more than a century after, between 1453 and 1478. In the mid-18th century, the church tower was heightened in the baroque style with the interiors in the rococo decoration. The Capuchin Brothers took over the church in 1917. Severely damaged during World War II, reconstruction commenced in 1948.

Alte Nikolaikirche (Old St. Nicholas Church)

Located at the heart of the Altstadt, the Old St. Nicholas Church  is known for its 51 bells, 4 of which are used for peals, the rest for carillons. A Catholic church once stood here until the mid-15th century, when the present structure was erected. The Alte Nikolaikirche  is the only structure in Romerberg that survived intact after the bombing of Frankfurt during World War II.

Paulskirche (St. Paul Church)

An old Gothic church once stood here until demolished to give way to the present structure.  In 1848, the first democratically elected German National Assembly met here, where they adopted the first German constitution.   Presently a United Protestant church, Paulskirche  began as a Lutheran church in 1789.

Frankfurter Dom

For over a millenium, Holy Roman Emperors were crowned in this Gothic structure with its tower overlooking an impressive view.   Frankfurter Dom also served as the meeting place of some of the most powerful German princes long before Germany was born as a nation.

If ever you decide to explore Frankfurt, don't forget to visit these storied churches to get a feel of the faith and culture of the people.