I planned an 11 hour layover in Frankfurt Germany on my way to South Africa in March 2010. And I hooked up with CouchSurfer Sue who really knew her history and gave me an excellent seven hour walking tour of the city. Old and new architecture exists in harmony.
Chinesischer Garten
The Chinese “Garden of Heavenly Peace” in Bethmannpark was created in 1990 in memory of the victims of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Shielded by thick walls, the entrances are guarded by Chinese lions. The garden features a temple, pagoda and the beautifully carved Jade Bridge all designed according to the principles of feng shui by Chinese craftsmen. This isolated space in the city offers a place of serenity, for people and wildlife. Look closely for the heron being photographed.
Staufenmauer Wall
This is all that remains of the Roman fortification built around the city in 1180 to protect it from attack. This part was restored after the 18th century fire in the Jewish Ghetto.
Remnants of a Roman empire seen in these excavated ruins include parts of a Roman bath and a twelfth-century royal palace, thought to have been the favorite residence of the East Franconian kings during that century.
On one side of the ruins rises the mighty steeple of St. Bartholomeus’ Cathedral constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries on the foundation of an earlier church. In 1867, the cathedral was destroyed by a fire and rebuilt in its present style.
At the heart of the city lies the historic Romerberg which was reconstructed in the 1980s based on its original design of the 17th century city center which was completely leveled by bombs during WWII. The above buildings were the only to survive the war.
The River Main
This tributary of the Rhine provides navigation for the inland waterway link from the North Sea to the Black Sea.
Movie on the bathroom floor
There was much to see in Frankfurt am Main and too little time for it all. We only went into the Museum of Modern Art to use the restrooms, according to Sue a must see. I spent enough time to watch the entire short film clip of a woman dancing in a garden that was projected on the stall floor. Why didn’t I take video?
We got to the top of the center building just in time to catch sunset over what is called the “Mainhattan” skyline.
Located on the River Main, Frankfurt is the financial capital of Continental Europe and the transportation center of Germany. I didn’t venture into the modern part of the city, yet thoroughly enjoyed historic parts of Frankfurt. So now it’s on my “return to” list.
Great photos and commentary on Frankfurt. I love the Roman ruins in the middle of modern buildings. Cool idea to have movies on the bathroom floor!
Amazing shots Gaelyn. The movie on the floor–I am still chuckling. Isn't it amazing to know that the buildings are so old and still around–we in the US sometimes cannot fathom 15th century buildings. 1800s are old to us.
You still have snow there? MB
That looks like a place you could spend more than 11 hours visiting, but you sure managed to pack a lot in!
Wow – I've only seen the inside of Frankfurt airport! (Is it just me… or are there NO seats in that place??) Looks like I need to get out and see that city!
Like Kirsty I have seen the airport and a brief drive out to go to Stuttgart. We are Porsche fans!! This looks like a trip back to see Frankfort in detail is now required. Thanks for the post. Diane
I love the old and new mixuture of architecture in European cities…beautiful shots.
The movie on the bathroom floor was a first for me. I never would've even thought of such a thing. That takes a highly creative mind!
The Old World is so fascinating and dreamy. These are wonderful shots of Old Frankfurt…and you have so much information too. Wonderful post, Gaelyn!
There is great beauty in some of these photos.
There is no much diversity there…but a 7 hours tour..You are in great shape Gaelyn….I would need one of those scooters…..Michelle
Wow Gaelyn;) I'm impressed that you walked the city for 7 hours. AND with all the beautiful photos. I love the movies on the bathroom floor. What next? LOL! Thanks for sharing this part of your trip to South Africa. Blessings Jo
It's been nearly 30 years since I was in this city. Thank you so much for the revisit. It sparked an interest in seeing it again. Great skyline shots.
You saw a lot in your brief stop over. It looks like a place one could spend a lot of time. If I had to choose only one place,
though, it would be the Grand Canyon. On second thought, Yosemite, of course.
Gaelyn: Neat stop over for you, we only got to see the airport.
Frankfurt was always such a neat and clean city. I love the Japanese gardens but that movie on the floor is the best!! 🙂
This photo tour of Frankfurt are wonderful, Gaelyn. I love the Cathedral shot. You've taken some interesting angles.
Thanks for showing me a city I do not know! May get there.
I've been away for a week, so today I'm playing catchup.
I visited Germany about two years back and loved exploring the places we went to. The history is so overwelming old and its so different from over here. The buildings, the people, the food, everything. I loved it.
What a fascinating post, Gaelyn. Such a mixture of old and new architectures and cultures all in one great city. Thank you (and Sue) SO much for this window into a part of our world.
Very enjoyable tour of Frankfurt! You crammed a whole lot into a very little bit of time–obviously your tour guide was very good! Definitely on a "return to" list. I have way too many places on my "return to" list……
What an amazing experience you had, Gaelyn. I'm glad you had a wonderful time seeing all of these great places.