Cathedral Historical Frankfurt

Introduction

Frankfurt Cathedral (the Imperial Cathedral) is a historically significant Gothic cathedral in Frankfurt's old town. With its red sandstone tower outlining the old town's skyline, this church was the coronation site of Holy Roman Emperors, holding a pivotal place in German history. Formally named St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, it is called the "Kaiserdom" (Imperial Cathedral) for its lofty historical status. Its weight in German history is extraordinary—from the 16th century it became the fixed venue for the election and coronation of Holy Roman Emperors, where generations of German emperors were crowned, making it a symbol of the empire and an important vessel of German national historical memory. Founded in the Middle Ages, it is a grand Gothic sandstone building whose most striking feature is the towering red sandstone bell tower, a historic landmark on the old town skyline. The interior is lofty and solemn, preserving fine altars, sculptures and historical relics; the Electoral Chapel within is where the imperial elections were once held—of great significance. Like other old-town buildings, the cathedral was damaged in WWII and later restored. Visitors can enter this solemn church that carried imperial coronations, and climb its red tower for a unique view of the old town and the skyscraper skyline intertwined. Visiting Frankfurt's Imperial Cathedral and tracing the coronation history of the Holy Roman Empire is a profound historical experience.

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