The Römer was originally purchased by the city from the wealthy merchant family Römer, hence the name.
The interior Kaisersaal features portraits of 52 Holy Roman Emperors, spanning from Charlemagne to Francis II.
The complex is actually an interconnected group of nine historic merchant houses purchased over several centuries.
The building was the site of the election ceremonies for Holy Roman Emperors starting from the Golden Bull of 1356.
The square in front of the building, the Römerberg, was the site of Frankfurt's first documented trade fair in 1150.
The Frankfurter Römer has served as the city hall of Frankfurt since 1405 when the city council purchased the original house. The building complex consists of nine houses with a distinctively stepped gabled facade facing the Römerberg square. It is best known for its Kaisersaal, or Imperial Hall, where Holy Roman Emperors held banquets following their coronations. The balcony overlooking the square is a frequent site for public appearances by visiting dignitaries and sports teams. The building was heavily damaged during World War II Allied bombing raids in 1944 and subsequently reconstructed. Visitors can view the medieval architecture and the historic central square. It remains the active administrative seat of the Frankfurt municipal government.
From the center of the Römerberg square looking toward the three-gabled facade during the early morning for optimal lighting.
Check the official city website for scheduled council meetings or government events that may limit access to specific rooms.
Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent reconstructed Old Town, the Dom-Römer Quarter.
Visit the interior courtyard to see the Fountain of Justice, where wine has traditionally flowed during civic celebrations.
Do not mistake the modern office building annex for the historic medieval city hall structure.
The Kaisersaal may be closed to the public during official government functions or private receptions.
