Two hours in Frankfurt!
From to Romer to the Kleinmarkethalle
People have been en route in Frankfurt for centuries. This already began with the town's origins when Charlemagne had to cross the Main river on the run from the Saxons.Today,approximately 700,000 people live at this ford, on both sides of the Main;over here (hibbdebach) and over there (dribbdebach) in Sachsenhausen.Emperor Charles still stands in Frankfurt today - in front of the Historiesches Museum [Museum of History] at the southern end of the
Romerberg(1), the central square and Frankfurt's "Guud Stubb" or showpiece.
Politics were and are being made here. Inside the
Romer(1), the Frankfurt Town Hall, the city council holds its meetings. And directly next to at
Pauskirche(3) [St. Paul's Church],the first German parliament debated in 1848.The political heart of Frankfurt beats around the Fountain of Justice.There is always something to view,celebrate and experience here. Not only soccer would champions and the Ironman are saluted here,but this is also the location of the famous Frankfurt Christmas market every year.We are now in the Old Town. It looks old - but in part it isn't even old. As there was not much left over of the narrow,labyrinthine town with it half - timbered houses after the Second World War. individual buildings were rebuilt and others reconstructed. During the next few years,additional houses in the Old Town are to be newly erected between Romer and Dom[Cathedral] - at the cost of the 1970's Technisches Rathaus [Municipal Engineering Headquarters] which had to make room for them. A way of dealing with tradition and the future that's typical for Frankfurt. Not only buildings,but also old taffic links are being reconstructed, such as the Kronungsweg [Coronation Route], which was used by the German emperors on their way from the coronation at the
Dom St. Bartholomaus(2) [St. Bartholomew's Cathedral] to the festive revelry in the Romer. In the cathedral itself, one can now. still visit the Wahlkapelle [Election Chapel] where the electors agreed on a new emperor. En route from yesterday to today. we are now passing the Museum fur Moderne Kunst [Museum of Modern Art], also called the "piece of cake" on account of its shape and arrive at the Kleinmarkethalls [Covered Market] - the (not always cheap)gem of the "melting pot" Frankfurt. Here one can get everything one's heard - or more accurately : stomach - desires. From "Worscht und Weck" (sausage roll) through the obligatory "Grune SoBe" (green sauce) to a variety of delicacies from each of the 174 nations that call Frankfurt home. En route with all senses.
Via the Zeil to the Hauptwache
Invigorated in such a way, one can now turn into the shopping district. Unrestrained consumption is the order of the day under the sycamore trees of the
Zeil(9) between Konstablerwache and
Hauptwache(11).Or in the roofed over and architecturally attractive shopping mall "My Zeil" .One can shop there on many levels linked by Eurpe's longest escalator. One it goes to the
Hauptwache(11). By relocating vehicle traffic, Frankfurt has gained a central square again. One can stroll in the shadow of the Katharinenkirche. breathe some fresh air, or sit down in the baroque Cafe Hauptwache over a glass of "Ebbelwoi"(cider)and a serving of "Handkas"(a specialty cheese)and do what Frankfurters love to do most - "babbeln"(to chat)The notorious German robber of the Rhine, "Schinderhannes",was once a "guest" in the former guard - house of the militia dating from the 18th century, too - but with bread and water.
More modern is the mobility information centre across street, the
"Verkehrsinsel"(16), a mine of information on local public transport for locals, tourists and visitors to Frankfurt. One can refuel here, too - at the first solar filling station in Frankfurt.
Fressgass, Alte oper, Skyscrapers, Railway Station Area
Via Biebergasse and GroBe Bockenheimer StraBe - known locally as
"FreBgass"(10) on account of its many eateries - one reaches the
Alten Oper(7){Old Opera House}.We are approaching the wellknoown Frankfurt skyline - from below. A lot of money is moving through the towers of high finance. Everybady can get a bird's-eye view on this from the viewing platform on top of the 200 metre-high Maintower. Neue Mainzer StraBe continues on through the banking quarter to the building of the
European Central Bank(23) and to the
Schauspiel-und Opernhaus(8) [Playhouse and Opera] at Willy-Brandt-Platz. On the ay to the
Hauptbahnhof(19)[Main Railway Station],the adjacent station area has a lot of what make Frankfurt interesting. One meets every nation and encounters the most diverse forms of the servies secter around KaiserstraBe. There are art and culture, mosquse and galleries, investmant bankers, greengrocers and brothels here, all housed in close proximity in Wilhelminian style or ultra-modern architecture. Totally colourful, lively and never boring - typically Frankfurt. And if one still has a little time left and wants to digest one's impressions a visitto the
Palmengarten(12)[Palm Garden],the
Goethehaus(4)[house where Goethe was born], or
Sachsenhausen(5)is recommended.
You were en route in Frankfurt. A brief look into the history and space of a small metropolis. We enjoyed your visit. Hope to see you again soon!
Have fun in Frankfurt am Main!
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