A Mini Guide to Frankfurt
December 6th, 2006A Guide to Frankfurt
Frankfurt is a city in the German state of Hesse. Resting on the banks of the Main River, the city is the fifth-largest in Germany and it boasts a population of 648,325 inhabitants. This historical city was the electoral city for the Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation between 855AD and 1792AD. During the revolution of 1848-49, Frankfurt was the chosen revolutionary capital and it was also the seat of Germany’s first democratically elected parliament. Frankfurt suffered strong bombing during World War II and much of the city has been rebuilt in a modern, simple style. Some of the city’s more historic architecture has remained however, not least the stunning Saint Bartholomeus’ Cathedral, which was built in the 14th and 15th centuries in a Gothic style.
Another beautiful building is St. Paul’s Church, which was partially destroyed during World War II, but has since been lovingly restored. Since the rebuilding of the city, Frankfurters have developed a taste for skyscrapers and the city is one of the few European cities to have a significant number. Skyscrapers of note include: the Commerzbank Tower, MesseTurm and Kronenhochhaus. For nature-lovers, Frankfurt offers an abundance of attractions, not least the lovely Palmengarten botanic gardens and Grueneburgpark – Frankfurt’s largest public park, which is often populated by the city’s younger residents as it is close to the Frankfurt’s two universities. Frankfurt also boasts an impressive zoo, which is involved in the European Endangered Species Programme.
In the south of the city is the lovely Frankfurt City Forest, the largest inner-city forest in Germany. For those less interested in outdoor pursuits, the city boasts an abundance of cafes, restaurants and bars. The city is dotted with plenty of unusual boutiques, but for those interested large department stores or upmarket shopping, the Zeil area must be visited.
Dara Ward operates over 150 travel websites worldwide. He is also a fluent German speaker and has spend a number of years living in Germany. Some of his German travel sites include Hotels in Frankfurt and Hotels in Dusseldorf