Kuhhirtenturm Frankfurt

High rises; banks and modern architecture have made Frankfurt one of the most contemporary cities in the world. The European Central Bank is headquartered here. Apart from that, Frankfurt also houses a lot of banks like Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank and some multinational companies too. Regarded as the financial capital of Europe; this city attracts busy executives from all parts of Germany and from different parts of the world as well. The travelers however become ignorant of the city’s history. Founded almost two thousand years back, Frankfurt was reigned over by the emperors of the Holy Roman Kingdom. Witness to countless wars including attempt of Napoleonic army to conquer this city, Frankfurt has a lot of watch towers. Kuhhirtenturm is one such building which was constructed in the fifteenth century to foil the attacks of the invaders.

Located on 118 Große Rittergasse; Kuhhirtenturm is one of the last few remaining observatories constructed to ward off foreign invasion. The building dates back to 1490 when though the power of the Holy Roman Empire had been somewhat diminished; the empire had not completely lost its power. This building was then a part of Sachsenhausen areas defense system. Overlooking the river Main; Kuhhirtenturm was the last hurdle to be crossed before the invasive army could capture Sachsenhausen, located just across the river.

The square shaped Kuhhirtenturm tower facilitated the archers to throw arrows in all the four directions. The pyramid shaped roof atop the tower provided some sort of protection from arrows of the opponents. Ironically this old defense building became home to the famous Swiss composer Paul Hindernith. Paul was a known face in the opera circuit and he was at the time the concert master at the Frankfurt Opera house. He, during his stay here, composed Cardiliac and Marienleben operas. If you visit Frankfurt, do not forget to come to this tower.