Audio Guide: 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.