Frankfurt Cathedral

Frankfurt Cathedral, officially the Imperial Cathedral of St. Bartholomew, is a Gothic church on the banks of the Main River in central Frankfurt am Main. Construction of the present Gothic structure began in the 14th century and the church historically functioned as the site linked to imperial elections and ceremonies.

Visitors come to view the cathedral’s high Gothic nave, the tall tower, stained glass, and interior art and monuments; the tower (Domturm) rises to about 95 meters and is a landmark on the city skyline. The interior contains funerary monuments and architectural details spanning the medieval and postwar reconstruction periods.

The site has medieval origins and developed into an important civic and ceremonial church in the Holy Roman Empire after Frankfurt became the city for imperial elections under the Golden Bull. The cathedral suffered severe damage during Allied bombing in World War II and was carefully rebuilt and restored in the following decades.

The cathedral sits in Frankfurt’s historic center, a short walk from the Römer and main shopping streets, on the north bank of the Main River within walking distance of the central train station.

• Tower views: Climb the cathedral tower for a panoramic view over the old town and the Main River; the tower is the most prominent single viewing point in the area.
• Restoration history: The building was heavily damaged in World War II and subsequently restored, so much of the visible exterior dates from postwar reconstruction and repair.