Frankfurt Cathedral, known in German as the Kaiserdom, is a Roman Catholic church of red sandstone in the Gothic style, in the center of Frankfurt near Römerberg. It was the place where Holy Roman emperors were elected and crowned, and its 95-meter tower still stands out against the city's skyscrapers. Inside, you can see tall columns, arches, statues, paintings and stained-glass windows. Climb the tower for views over the Old Town, the Main River and the skyline. The interior is calm, which suits a pause during a walk through the old town.
Why it is called the Kaiserdom
The church is officially called St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, after one of Jesus' twelve disciples. Its popular name, Kaiserdom, means imperial cathedral.
The title comes from its role, not from a bishop's seat. Frankfurt is not a bishopric, so the church was never a cathedral in the strict sense. It was a former collegiate church that became the place where the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were elected and crowned.
Elections took place here from 1356 onward. Emperors were crowned in the church from 1562 to 1792, and the ceremonies were held in the Electoral Chapel.
Architecture and the building's history
Most of the building is made of red sandstone, which gives the exterior its warm color. The Gothic church was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, and its tower rises 95 meters above the square.
Fire has shaped the building more than once. On 14 August 1867, a fire destroyed almost the entire church, and it was rebuilt in a neo-Gothic style.
The cathedral was gutted by fire during the Second World War. Extensive restoration in the 1950s brought it back, and the work is thorough enough that the wartime damage is hard to picture today.
Inside the cathedral
The interior holds tall columns, arches, statues and paintings. The stained-glass windows and the intricate carvings are among the most detailed features to look at slowly. The grand bronze entrance doors are decorated with scenes from the Bible.
A reliquary inside is believed to contain a piece of St. Bartholomew's skull.
The main church is free to enter, and a free guided tour of the interior is offered. The modern cathedral is open to all and has a choir school of its own.
Climbing the tower
The tower climb takes you up several hundred steps. From April to October, visitors can climb for a small fee.
From the top, you can look over the Old Town, the Main River and the modern skyline. The view shows how the old and new parts of Frankfurt sit side by side.
Visiting during services
Services are held in the church. During them, visitors can see the interior but cannot wander as freely.
Quiet is expected throughout the building. Avoid photographing people inside, and keep conversation low near the pews and the altars.
Around the cathedral
The church stands beside Römerberg, the historic square with cafés, restaurants and shops. The square hosts an annual Christmas fair and other fairs during the year.
A short walk away is St. Paul's Church on Paulsplatz, a building of great importance for Frankfurt and for Germany as a whole.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Entering the main cathedral is free. The tower climb, which runs from April to October, has a small fee.
Can you climb the tower?
Yes. The climb runs from April to October and involves several hundred steps. Visitors get views over the Old Town, the Main River and the skyline.
Do I need tickets in advance?
Getting tickets in advance is recommended.
Is the cathedral accessible?
The cathedral has a wheelchair accessible entrance.
Can I take photos inside?
Avoid photographing people inside. Keep noise low, as the building is a place of worship.
