Staufer Wall (Staufenmauer), Frankfurt

The Staufer Wall (Staufenmauer) is an ancient fortification in Frankfurt am Main, and although only a few remnants of it still exist today, it once played a crucial role in safeguarding the city.

This wall was constructed around 1180 during the Staufer dynasty's reign, with the primary purpose of defending the city against potential raids. It roughly encircled what is now the historic Old Town of Frankfurt. The wall had a dry trench outside for added defense and three gates: Guldenpforte in Weißfrauengasse, Bockenheimer Pforte, and Bornheimer Pforte along Fahrgasse. The Mainzer Pforte in Alte Mainzer Gasse led to the riverbank, fortified with the Main Wall.

In 1333, Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian granted permission for the expansion of the city, resulting in the gradual construction of a new wall around the newly established town until the mid-15th century. The original Staufer Wall was initially maintained, restricting passage between the Old Town and the New Town to its gates. Even today, the street name "Zeil" bears a reference to the city wall because it was laid out in the New Town during the 14th century and was only expanded on its north side until the late 16th century.

Starting from 1462, Frankfurt's Jewish community settled in the Judengasse, which ran just outside the northeastern section of the Staufer Wall. Until the 16th century, the gates within the Staufer Wall were closed at night, preventing nighttime traffic between the Old Town and the New Town.