Frankfurt am Main

placed in the category: Cities

The vibrant city of Frankfurt am Main is the largest city in the German state of Hesse and fifth largest in Germany. Frankfurt am Main is one of the largest financial centers on the European continent. The city is mainly known for its finance and trade fairs and it is home to a number of banks and brokerages. The Frankfurt Stock Exchange is Germany's largest and one of the world's most important stock exchanges. Frankfurt is also the home to European Central Bank and German Federal Bank. Along with this, the city of Frankfurt am Main offers contrasting variety and many other aspects.

Transportation

Frankfurt

has excellent modes of communication - the transportation infrastructure is something to boast of. The location of Frankfurt International Airport at the heart of Europe together with the easy accessibility by rail, road and air make it almost perfect.

Fairs

This fifth largest German city organizes a number of fairs every year. The list includes Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, which is world's largest motor show, the Frankfurter Buchmesse, the world's largest book fair and Musikmesse world's largest music fair.

Shopping

Zeil being the main shopping street of Frankfurt remains most crowded. This is only meant for pedestrian and the area is bordered by two large plazas, Hauptwache in the west and Konstablerwache in the east.

What to see in Frankfurt am Main

Saint Bartholomeus Cathedral: This Gothic building was built in the 14th and 15th centuries - it is the main church of Frankfurt. From 1356, the Holy Roman Empire kings were elected in this church and from 1562-1792, kings was crowned here.

Roemer: The name of this city hall means 'Roman'. It is located at the Romerberg or city hall square. In 1405, nine houses were taken over by the city council from a rich merchant family. The middle house which was made the town hall was later connected with the other neighboring buildings. The Kaisersaal or "Emperor's Hall" is in the upper floor. Though it was partly destroyed in World War II, it was built again.

Saint Paul's Church: This one is a national historic monument. Saint Paul's Church was built in 1789 as a Protestant church. It is a symbol of politics. The reason being in 1848, it was the seat of the first Parliament, which was elected democratically.

Old Opera House: Architect Richard Lucae built this famous old opera house in 1880. One of Germany's major opera houses, this was badly damaged during the Second World War, it was nicknamed "Germany's Most Beautiful Ruin".