The century’s old gothic buildings that make up the Römer - Old City Hall are one of Frankfurt’s most important historic structures and are a top tourist destination for visitors to the city. Römer is a German surname meaning ‘Roman’ and the complex is named as such for the family that sold it to the city in the early 1400’s. The beautiful gothic building’s overlook historic Römerberg Plaza, a popular civic area for markets and events.
The Römer buildings consist of nine houses and six courtyards. Easily recognisable for its medieval façade and peaked roofs, the buildings feature many German design elements and exterior features that reflect German history and culture. While the buildings were almost totally destroyed during World War II, they were rebuilt in a simpler style but in a way that preserved their original essence and architectural significance.
There are two historic halls on the first floor inside the building which have changed little in over 600 years while the Kaisersaal or Emperor Hall on the second floor is another popular historic site. This historic room was the sight of coronation banquets for emperors during the Holy Roman Empire and 19th portraits of each of the emperors hang here.
Located in central Frankfurt, Römerberg can be reached by the subway lines for Römer U4 and U5. It is located just blocks from the Main River and is within one kilometre of many of the city’s hotels.
