Frankfurt Cathedral
On Gingerguide's self-guided Frankfurt audio tour, Frankfurt Cathedral is a stop worth about ~45 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type religious
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Frankfurt Frankfurt guide
About Frankfurt Cathedral
Frankfurt Cathedral, the Gothic church of St Bartholomew with its tower of 95 metres, where German kings were elected for centuries and where ten coronations took place from 1562 to 1792.
Although it is called the Kaiserdom, the imperial cathedral, it has never been the seat of a bishop. Kings were elected here from the Middle Ages, and in 1356 the Golden Bull made Frankfurt the official place of election. The tower, begun in 1415, was completed only in 1878, after a great fire in 1867. Bombing in 1943 and 1944 burned out the interior, which was rebuilt in the 1950s.
The church is free and open daily, except during services. The tower has 328 steps up to a platform at about 66 metres and needs a ticket. It belongs to the cathedral museum, which sometimes closes for several days, so check before you go.
Did you know? Frankfurt Cathedral has never been the seat of a bishop; its name Kaiserdom, imperial cathedral, recalls the elections and coronations of the Holy Roman Empire.
How much time do you need at Frankfurt Cathedral?
Around ~45 min works well for Frankfurt Cathedral — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at Frankfurt Cathedral?
Yes — Frankfurt Cathedral made the cut as one of 13 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across Frankfurt. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in Frankfurt
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Frankfurt Cathedral and read more:
Day 1 of the Frankfurt in 2 days itinerary →
Updated:
Hear the story of Frankfurt Cathedral
Preview the Frankfurt tour free in the Gingerguide app.