Jewish History Walking Tour (Self Guided), Frankfurt
The history of Jews in Frankfurt dates back almost 900 years, which is more than in any other German city. Attesting to this fact alone is one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe, the Old Jewish Cemetery of Frankfurt, first recorded in the 12th century.
At some point, the city was even referred to as "Jerusalem of the West", highlighting its importance as a center of Jewish life and culture. The Jewish community played an important role in Frankfurt's economic and cultural development. Indeed, for centuries, Jews made living and prospered here as bankers, merchants, politicians, philanthropists, artists, and scientists.
At its peak, during the 17th-18th centuries, the local Jewish community was one of the largest and most influential on the continent, having in their midst the likes of the Rothschilds and other prominent Jewish families. The Rothschilds' former home, the Rothschild Palais, today houses the Jewish Museum of Frankfurt. Its branch on Börneplatz, known as the Judengasse Museum, is located on the site of the former Jewish ghetto and is one of the most important places of Frankfurt's Jewish heritage.
Under the Nazi regime, during the 1930s and 40s, the community faced severe discrimination, resulting in the deportation of and forcing to flee many thousands of Jews. Their persecution culminated during the Holocaust, in 1941-1945, which saw the vast majority of Frankfurt's Jewish population killed. The memory of these people is preserved nowadays at the Börneplatz Memorial, opened in 1996.
Despite this dark period in Frankfurt's history, today the city is home to a vibrant Jewish community, with several synagogues, museums, kosher restaurants, and cultural institutions. If you're keen to explore some of the chapters of Frankfurt's Jewish heritage, take this self-guided walk.
At some point, the city was even referred to as "Jerusalem of the West", highlighting its importance as a center of Jewish life and culture. The Jewish community played an important role in Frankfurt's economic and cultural development. Indeed, for centuries, Jews made living and prospered here as bankers, merchants, politicians, philanthropists, artists, and scientists.
At its peak, during the 17th-18th centuries, the local Jewish community was one of the largest and most influential on the continent, having in their midst the likes of the Rothschilds and other prominent Jewish families. The Rothschilds' former home, the Rothschild Palais, today houses the Jewish Museum of Frankfurt. Its branch on Börneplatz, known as the Judengasse Museum, is located on the site of the former Jewish ghetto and is one of the most important places of Frankfurt's Jewish heritage.
Under the Nazi regime, during the 1930s and 40s, the community faced severe discrimination, resulting in the deportation of and forcing to flee many thousands of Jews. Their persecution culminated during the Holocaust, in 1941-1945, which saw the vast majority of Frankfurt's Jewish population killed. The memory of these people is preserved nowadays at the Börneplatz Memorial, opened in 1996.
Despite this dark period in Frankfurt's history, today the city is home to a vibrant Jewish community, with several synagogues, museums, kosher restaurants, and cultural institutions. If you're keen to explore some of the chapters of Frankfurt's Jewish heritage, take this self-guided walk.
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Jewish History Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Jewish History Walking Tour
Guide Location: Germany » Frankfurt (See other walking tours in Frankfurt)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 5
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Author: helenp
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Germany » Frankfurt (See other walking tours in Frankfurt)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 5
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Author: helenp
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Jewish Museum at Rothschild Palace
- Börneplatz Memorial (Börne Square Memorial)
- Judengasse Museum (Jewish Lane Museum)
- The Old Jewish Cemetery, Battonn Street
- Synagogue Friedberger Anlage
1) Jewish Museum at Rothschild Palace
The Jewish Museum of Frankfurt is the oldest independent Jewish museum in Germany. The Museum offers permanent exhibitions at two locations. The Jewish Lane Museum on Börne Square preserves the history and culture of Jews in Frankfurt during the early modern period, while the Jewish Museum at Rothschild Palace is dedicated to Jewish history and culture since Jewish emancipation.
The museum at Rothschild Palace opened in 1988 on the fiftieth anniversary of the November pogrom of 1938. Its location is closely connected with the history of the Rothschild family, one of the most influential banking dynasties in Europe, whose origins lie in Frankfurt’s Jewish community. The palace stands along the Untermainkai promenade near the River Main and forms part of a larger museum complex that combines historic architecture with a modern extension.
Inside the museum, exhibitions explore the cultural, social, and economic life of Frankfurt’s Jewish community from the period of emancipation in the 19th century through the dramatic changes of the 20th century and into the present day. Displays include historical documents, photographs, artworks, and personal objects that illustrate everyday life as well as major historical events.
Together with its branch at the Jewish Lane Museum, the Jewish Museum provides a broad overview of nearly nine centuries of Jewish history in Frankfurt. Located close to the river and within walking distance of the historic city center, it offers visitors an important place to learn about the traditions, achievements, and experiences of one of the city’s most significant communities.
The museum at Rothschild Palace opened in 1988 on the fiftieth anniversary of the November pogrom of 1938. Its location is closely connected with the history of the Rothschild family, one of the most influential banking dynasties in Europe, whose origins lie in Frankfurt’s Jewish community. The palace stands along the Untermainkai promenade near the River Main and forms part of a larger museum complex that combines historic architecture with a modern extension.
Inside the museum, exhibitions explore the cultural, social, and economic life of Frankfurt’s Jewish community from the period of emancipation in the 19th century through the dramatic changes of the 20th century and into the present day. Displays include historical documents, photographs, artworks, and personal objects that illustrate everyday life as well as major historical events.
Together with its branch at the Jewish Lane Museum, the Jewish Museum provides a broad overview of nearly nine centuries of Jewish history in Frankfurt. Located close to the river and within walking distance of the historic city center, it offers visitors an important place to learn about the traditions, achievements, and experiences of one of the city’s most significant communities.
2) Börneplatz Memorial (Börne Square Memorial)
The Börne Square Memorial is a tribute to the Jewish community of Frankfurt that suffered immense devastation during the Holocaust. It was opened to the public on June 16, 1996.
The memorial comprises several significant features. In the heart of the square, along Rechneigraben Street, stands a stone cube constructed from the remains of the foundations of the former ghetto. This cube is encircled by a grove of plane trees, and the square's ground is paved with gray gravel stones. The layout of the Börne Square Synagogue, which was constructed in 1882 and tragically vandalized during the November pogrom of 1938, is outlined by metal rails on the ground. Additionally, a memorial plaque for the destroyed synagogue can be found on the rear wall of the municipal utilities building.
At the core of the memorial is the frieze adorning the outer wall of the old Jewish cemetery. This frieze serves as a remembrance for the Frankfurt Jews who perished during the Nazi regime or succumbed to persecution. At the time of the memorial's dedication, a total of 11,134 victims had been identified, and their biographical information is engraved on metal blocks resembling gravestones. In line with Jewish burial traditions, visitors to the memorial have the opportunity to place small stones there.
The memorial also incorporates other elements, designed by Wandel Lorch Architects, that evoke the complex history of the former Frankfurt Jewish Lane and Börne Square, as well as the tragic obliteration of Jewish life in the city.
The memorial comprises several significant features. In the heart of the square, along Rechneigraben Street, stands a stone cube constructed from the remains of the foundations of the former ghetto. This cube is encircled by a grove of plane trees, and the square's ground is paved with gray gravel stones. The layout of the Börne Square Synagogue, which was constructed in 1882 and tragically vandalized during the November pogrom of 1938, is outlined by metal rails on the ground. Additionally, a memorial plaque for the destroyed synagogue can be found on the rear wall of the municipal utilities building.
At the core of the memorial is the frieze adorning the outer wall of the old Jewish cemetery. This frieze serves as a remembrance for the Frankfurt Jews who perished during the Nazi regime or succumbed to persecution. At the time of the memorial's dedication, a total of 11,134 victims had been identified, and their biographical information is engraved on metal blocks resembling gravestones. In line with Jewish burial traditions, visitors to the memorial have the opportunity to place small stones there.
The memorial also incorporates other elements, designed by Wandel Lorch Architects, that evoke the complex history of the former Frankfurt Jewish Lane and Börne Square, as well as the tragic obliteration of Jewish life in the city.
3) Judengasse Museum (Jewish Lane Museum)
The Jewish Lane Museum is one of the two locations of the Jewish Museum Frankfurt and focuses on the early history of Frankfurt’s Jewish community. Opened in 1992, the museum stands on Börne Square at the site of the former Jewish Lane. This street was established in 1460 and became one of the earliest compulsory Jewish quarters in Europe, where the Jewish population of Frankfurt was required to live for centuries.
The museum’s most remarkable feature is the archaeological remains of several houses from the historic Jewish Lane. During construction work in 1987, the foundations of nineteen houses from the former ghetto were discovered. The find sparked a major public debate in Germany about how to preserve this important evidence of Jewish history. In the end, five of the house foundations were carefully reconstructed and integrated into the museum, allowing visitors to see the original structure of the historic street.
Exhibitions inside the museum explain how the Jewish Lane developed into an important center of Jewish learning and culture. Historical objects, documents, and multimedia displays illustrate daily life in the ghetto, including religious traditions, family life, and the economic activities of the community.
The museum also stands beside the Old Jewish Cemetery, one of the oldest Jewish burial sites in Germany. Together, the preserved house foundations and the nearby cemetery make this area one of the most significant places for understanding the early history of Frankfurt’s Jewish community.
The museum’s most remarkable feature is the archaeological remains of several houses from the historic Jewish Lane. During construction work in 1987, the foundations of nineteen houses from the former ghetto were discovered. The find sparked a major public debate in Germany about how to preserve this important evidence of Jewish history. In the end, five of the house foundations were carefully reconstructed and integrated into the museum, allowing visitors to see the original structure of the historic street.
Exhibitions inside the museum explain how the Jewish Lane developed into an important center of Jewish learning and culture. Historical objects, documents, and multimedia displays illustrate daily life in the ghetto, including religious traditions, family life, and the economic activities of the community.
The museum also stands beside the Old Jewish Cemetery, one of the oldest Jewish burial sites in Germany. Together, the preserved house foundations and the nearby cemetery make this area one of the most significant places for understanding the early history of Frankfurt’s Jewish community.
4) The Old Jewish Cemetery, Battonn Street
Battonn Street Cemetery in Frankfurt is the second-oldest Jewish burial site in Germany; the first documented mention of it dates back to 1180. Throughout history, the size of the cemetery has hardly changed. The oldest surviving tombstone at Battonn Street is dated July 12, 1272, whereas many Frankfurt Jews – victims of the pogrom known as the “Frankfurt Jewish Battle” – had found their final resting place here as early as 1241. The very last burial at the cemetery took place on September 16, 1828, after which the cemetery had to be closed, being overcrowded with nearly 6,500 graves.
Under the Nazi regime, in 1942, 4,666 gravestones were demolished and piled up as rubble for removal. Some of these stone heaps can still be seen today. One hundred seventy-five gravestones were removed but not crushed, and ended up in the newer Jewish cemetery on Rat-Beil Street. In the 1950s, they were returned, but because there was no information about their original location, they could only be placed along the cemetery wall.
The gravestones of important religious and secular personalities have been grouped together in a place of honor. The grave of Meir Anschel Rothschild, founder of the Rothschild banking house, is one of the most famous grave sites on the grounds.
The Battonn Street Cemetery is permanently closed; those who wish to visit may obtain the key at the neighboring Jewish Lane Museum, except on Jewish holidays, Mondays, and Saturdays. Guided tours are offered every second Sunday and can be booked by phone at the museum. The entrance to the cemetery is via the gate on Battonn Street.
Under the Nazi regime, in 1942, 4,666 gravestones were demolished and piled up as rubble for removal. Some of these stone heaps can still be seen today. One hundred seventy-five gravestones were removed but not crushed, and ended up in the newer Jewish cemetery on Rat-Beil Street. In the 1950s, they were returned, but because there was no information about their original location, they could only be placed along the cemetery wall.
The gravestones of important religious and secular personalities have been grouped together in a place of honor. The grave of Meir Anschel Rothschild, founder of the Rothschild banking house, is one of the most famous grave sites on the grounds.
The Battonn Street Cemetery is permanently closed; those who wish to visit may obtain the key at the neighboring Jewish Lane Museum, except on Jewish holidays, Mondays, and Saturdays. Guided tours are offered every second Sunday and can be booked by phone at the museum. The entrance to the cemetery is via the gate on Battonn Street.
5) Synagogue Friedberger Anlage
Synagogue Friedberger Anlage is the former location of a Jewish synagogue in Frankfurt that was deliberately destroyed by the Nazis.
The synagogue was built from 1905 to 1907 and was characterized by a transitional style of Reform architecture with elements of Romanesque and Orientalism. On November 10, 1938, it fell victim to arson organized by the Nazis as part of the November pogroms of 1938. The police ordered the demolition of the building due to the risk of collapse. The destruction began on November 17, 1938, and was completed on June 12, 1939.
In 1942 or 1943, a five-story bunker was built on the site. While the surrounding East End district was badly damaged by air raids, the bunker remained intact. After the war, from 1947 to 1965, it served as book storage and a university library, and then as a furniture store from 1968 to 1988.
The Friedberger Anlage Synagogue Memorial Site, designed by landscape architect Jeannette Garnhartner, was erected in the forecourt of the bunker in 1988. The bunker itself now houses a permanent exhibition about Jewish life in Frankfurt's East End.
The synagogue was built from 1905 to 1907 and was characterized by a transitional style of Reform architecture with elements of Romanesque and Orientalism. On November 10, 1938, it fell victim to arson organized by the Nazis as part of the November pogroms of 1938. The police ordered the demolition of the building due to the risk of collapse. The destruction began on November 17, 1938, and was completed on June 12, 1939.
In 1942 or 1943, a five-story bunker was built on the site. While the surrounding East End district was badly damaged by air raids, the bunker remained intact. After the war, from 1947 to 1965, it served as book storage and a university library, and then as a furniture store from 1968 to 1988.
The Friedberger Anlage Synagogue Memorial Site, designed by landscape architect Jeannette Garnhartner, was erected in the forecourt of the bunker in 1988. The bunker itself now houses a permanent exhibition about Jewish life in Frankfurt's East End.
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