Frankfurt Cathedral is located in Frankfurt am Main (Germany) and is the largest temple in the city. In ancient times, the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were crowned here, and in the 1900s it became a symbol of the unity of the German nation. But the cathedral was never Cathedral. This object is most important politically and historically, rather than spiritually or otherwise.
Construction history
The temple was built in the XIII century, but this is the appearance of the architectural structure that has survived to this day. It is known that earlier there was another Frankfurt Cathedral (794 year of construction), which was erected on the orders of King Charlemagne. Even earlier, from 83 to 260 (during the period of the Roman Empire), a chapel stood at this place. Then the predecessors of the modern temple gradually appeared.
- Merowing Palace Chapel - in the 6th century.
- Carolingian palace chapel - existed in 8-9 centuries.
- The Basilica of the Savior - from the 9th to the 13th century.
The Frankfurt Cathedral, built in 1400, for a long time served as the coronation site of the Holy Roman Emperors, therefore it was constantly improved, something was completed, changed, making it even more beautiful and convenient for the main goal.
The original version of the building was not destined to live its fifth century. Worldly affairs and wars arising with startling regularity caused the cathedral to be burned to the ground. It happened in 1867, however, very quickly they began reconstruction, and soon the temple again showed off in its former place. But this object could not survive for a long time either - the Second World War began, during which the building was damaged again. And again, the reconstruction was carried out in a short time, as quickly as possible restoring the Gothic masterpiece.
Frankfurt Cathedral is visible from afar thanks to the red tower. Like the rest of the details, it is made in the Gothic style. The tower is crowned with a spire, whose height is 100 m. The inner walls of the temple are decorated with a frieze and a fresco created by the golden hands of the masters. There are real works of art here, because the cathedral is recognized as the main one in the city and is a vivid representative of the Gothic style. For example, in one of the halls, visitors can see the sculpture “The Crucifixion of Christ” by Hans Buckhoffen, which he created in 1509. And in another room, the painting “The Mourning of Christ” by Van Dyck.
Also inside there is a staircase consisting of more than three hundred steps. It takes guests to the observation deck, which offers a beautiful view of the city and the river. In the old Frankfurt, with its unique architecture that evokes the Middle Ages, the future of the modern metropolis is clearly visible.
Relic stored in the cathedral
The Apostle Bartholomew since 1239 is considered the patron saint of the temple. Therefore, the main relic stored in the walls of the cathedral is the upper part of its skull.
It is interesting that at the beginning of the 20th century a grave was discovered on the territory of a girl of noble origin, who was presumably buried in the 700s. In memory of her, a gravestone was placed over the burial place.
Useful information for tourists
Exact address: Deutschland, Frankfurt am Main, Fahrgasse 7. The cathedral operates according to the following schedule:
- from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. - from Monday to Thursday;
- from 13:15 to 20:00 - on Friday;
- from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday;
- from 13:00 to 20:00 - on Sunday.
