Frankfurt Cathedral
Hessen
Frankfurt Cathedral, officially known as the Imperial Dome of Saint Bartholomew (Kaiserdom Sankt Bartholomäus), is a prominent Roman Catholic Gothic church located in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Despite its common English name, it has never been an actual episcopal cathedral but gained its title due to its historical role as the election and coronation church of the Holy Roman Empire. The current structure was mainly built between the 14th and 15th centuries atop foundations of earlier churches dating back to the 7th century, including a Merovingian royal palace chapel. The cathedral was the site of imperial elections from 1356 and coronations from 1562 to 1792, making it a symbol of national unity especially in the 19th century. Architecturally, it is a three-aisled hall church with a distinctive 95-meter-high spire, completed in the 19th century after a fire in 1867. The building suffered severe damage during World War II but was meticulously reconstructed in the 1950s. Inside, the cathedral houses nine historic bells cast in 1877. Today, it remains the largest religious building in Frankfurt and the main Catholic parish church, reflecting a rich history intertwined with the city's development and German imperial heritage.
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Tip: Visitors should consider arriving during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Purchasing tickets or joining guided tours in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and special events. The cathedral offers access to its tower for panoramic city views, and discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Check the official website for current opening hours and any special liturgical services that might affect visiting times.
Interesting facts
- •Frankfurt Cathedral was never an actual bishop's seat despite being called a cathedral.
- •It served as the election site for Holy Roman Emperors starting in 1356 and coronation church from 1562 to 1792.
- •The cathedral's spire reaches 95 meters (312 feet) in height, a distinctive feature of Frankfurt's skyline.
- •Nine bells cast in 1877 hang in the tower, including two large bourdon bells.
- •The foundations of a 9th-century royal palace can be seen adjacent to the cathedral as an archaeological site.
History
The site of Frankfurt Cathedral has been a place of Christian worship since at least the 7th century, beginning with a Merovingian royal palace chapel.
In 852, King Louis the German founded the Salvatorstift, a collegiate church that evolved into the present-day cathedral dedicated to Saint Bartholomew.
From the 14th to 15th centuries, the Gothic structure was constructed, becoming the election site for Holy Roman Emperors from 1356 and their coronation church between 1562 and 1792.
The cathedral was severely damaged by fire in 1867 and again during World War II bombings but was carefully rebuilt, preserving its historical and architectural significance.
Place Guide
Imperial Election Chapel (Wahlkapelle)1425
A chapel on the south side of the choir built in 1425 specifically for the election of Holy Roman Emperors, marking the cathedral's political and historical importance.
Central Altar and Crossing
The central altar is believed to enshrine a relic of Saint Bartholomew's head and was the site of the anointing and coronation ceremonies of emperors-elect.
West Tower1878
The cathedral's 95-meter-high west tower, completed in the late 19th century after the 1867 fire, is a prominent architectural feature offering panoramic views of Frankfurt.
Contact
Phone: 069 2970320
