Römerberg is the old central square of Frankfurt's Altstadt, a few blocks north of the River Main. The Römer, the city hall since 1405, fills one side with its stepped gables, and the half-timbered Ostzeile houses line the east. The Fountain of Justice stands in the middle. Most of the buildings were rebuilt in the old style after the Second World War. Today the square is a pedestrian zone with cafés, restaurants and street performers. It is open around the clock and works well as the start or end of a day in the city.
The Römer and its stepped gables
The Römer takes up one side of the square and gives it its name. The city bought a group of merchant houses here in 1405 and has run its administration from them ever since, which makes the Römer the seat of Frankfurt's city government for more than 600 years. The Gothic façade with its stepped gables is an emblem of the city.
Visitors can go inside the Römer complex and see its halls. The town hall is also a wedding venue, so couples and their guests are often on the square outside. Please keep a respectful distance during a ceremony. The newer town hall, the Neues Rathaus, dates from 1908 and stands nearby.
Fountain, church and museum around the square
At the centre is the Fountain of Justice, the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen. It dates from 1543, and Justitia holds her post with her eyes uncovered. On special occasions the fountain is made to flow with wine.
On the opposite side of the square is the 15th-century Old St Nicholas Church, the Alte Nikolaikirche. The Gothic church of St Leonhard dates from the 14th century. The Historical Museum, founded in 1878, also sits on the square. Paulskirche is a short walk away and hosts concerts and other events.
The Ostzeile is the row of half-timbered houses along the east side. It is the part of the square most people photograph.
A square rebuilt after the war
For centuries Römerberg was Frankfurt's main marketplace and the stage for civic life. It hosted trade fairs, medieval jousting and imperial ceremonies. Air raids in 1944 destroyed most of the old city, and most of what you see on the square today is reconstruction that keeps the architecture and style of the originals.
The work continued beyond the square. The Dom-Römer Quartier next door is known as Frankfurt's new old town. It was rebuilt from historical blueprints using traditional craftsmanship and original construction materials. Together the two give a good sense of the medieval Altstadt.
Events through the year
The Christmas market is the best-known event. Its centre is on Römerberg, and in Advent the city's Christmas tree stands on the square. Food fairs and other festivals are held here too, and visitors have also come across evenings with live music and beer and food stalls.
Outside events, the square has cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops and bars, many with outdoor tables. Schnitzel is an easy choice if you want a classic German lunch.
What to see nearby
Frankfurt Cathedral, Dom St. Bartholomäus, is a few steps away, and its Gothic tower has views over the Altstadt. The Goethe-Haus, the birthplace of the writer, shows his original desk and library. Heading south, the Eiserner Steg footbridge crosses the Main to the Museumsufer, the embankment lined with museums. The river and its riverside parks are close to the square.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee for Römerberg?
The square is an open public space and is open 24 hours. The input gives no price for going inside the Römer complex, so check before you go.
What is Römerberg known for?
It is the historic central square of Frankfurt's Altstadt. It has the Römer city hall, the Fountain of Justice, the half-timbered Ostzeile houses and the Christmas market.
When is the best time to visit Römerberg?
Daytime suits architectural details, and in the evening the buildings are lit. Advent brings the Christmas market and the city's Christmas tree to the square.
Are the buildings on Römerberg original?
Most are reconstructions made after the Second World War, which kept the original architecture and style.
Is Römerberg accessible and good for children?
Yes to both. The listed amenities include a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking, and the area is good for kids. Parking is paid.
