Römer (City Hall), Frankfurt (must see)

The Römer, Frankfurt’s historic city hall, stands at the heart of Römerberg Square and has been the political center of the city for more than six centuries. The complex takes its name from the central medieval house called House of the Romans (or Haus Römer in german), which the city council purchased in 1405 along with a neighboring building. Over time, additional houses were incorporated, eventually forming a complex of several interconnected buildings that still serve as Frankfurt’s municipal government today. Because of its long history and prominent location, the Römer has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city and a focal point of Frankfurt’s historic Old Town.

Facing Römerberg Square is the building’s famous façade with three distinctive stepped gables, a design that has become one of Frankfurt’s most recognizable architectural images. The statues placed on the façade represent four Holy Roman Emperors connected to Frankfurt’s imperial history. They depict Frederick Barbarossa, the first king elected in Frankfurt; Louis the Bavarian, who granted important trade and fair privileges that allowed the city to expand; Charles IV, who established Frankfurt as the official location for imperial elections; and Maximilian II, the first emperor to be crowned in Frankfurt Cathedral. These emperors recall Frankfurt’s importance as the place where German kings were elected and later crowned.

Inside the building is one of the City Hall's most significant historic spaces: the Imperial Hall (or Kaisersaal in german). After coronations at the nearby Frankfurt Cathedral, newly crowned Holy Roman Emperors traditionally held their ceremonial banquets here. The hall is lined with portraits of all Holy Roman Emperors, creating a visual record of imperial history that stretches from Charlemagne to Francis II.

The balcony on the front of the Römer has taken on a new role in modern times. Today it is the place where Frankfurt’s sports teams celebrate major victories, appearing on the balcony to greet thousands of fans gathered in Römerberg Square below.