The church was the site of the first session of the Frankfurt Parliament on May 18, 1848.
After WWII, the interior was reconstructed with a simplified design that removed the original pews and pulpit to emphasize its role as a democratic assembly space.
The German constitution was debated and drafted within these walls, though it was never fully implemented at the time.
The church's exterior retains its original 18th-century neoclassical appearance despite the complete interior gutting after the war.
It is the traditional venue for the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade held during the Frankfurt Book Fair.
St. Paul's Church is a neoclassical redbrick building that served as the seat of the Frankfurt Parliament, the first freely elected German legislative body, in 1848. It stands as a symbol of German democracy and national unity, having been rebuilt after extensive destruction during World War II. The interior was deliberately redesigned in a austere, functional style post-war, shifting its purpose from a house of worship to a national memorial and exhibition space. It frequently hosts prestigious events, including the presentation of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade. The structure occupies the site of a former medieval Franciscan church. The current building represents the transition from a place of religious devotion to a secular monument of political history.
The view from the Paulsplatz square capturing the full neoclassical redbrick facade.
Check the official website for event schedules, as the main hall is often closed to the public during private functions or ceremonies.
Visit the exhibition in the basement for a comprehensive overview of the 1848 revolution.
Pair your visit with a short walk to the nearby Römerberg square.
Expecting a traditional ornate church interior; the space is stark, modern, and purely secular.
Occasionally closed to the public for government events or award ceremonies.
Maintain a quiet volume as the site functions as a memorial space.
