A look at the city of Frankfurt and you would inevitably fall in love with city’s modern look. With each of at least ten buildings having a height of more than 150 meters; the city’s skyline is rapidly changing. Home to the biggest office building-the Commerzbank Tower; Frankfurt is headquarter of the European Central Bank. Besides, Deutsche Bank is also based in this central German city. But do not be fooled by the overtly modern exterior of this city. Historically speaking, Frankfurt was won by the kings of the Holy Roman Empire almost two thousand years back. The traces of roman settlement and coins and other artifacts dating back to that time are still found in and around Frankfurt. Bearing traces of medieval history; Frankfurt cathedrals were the coronation venues for the newly elected Roman emperors. Though most of the remains of medieval Frankfurt were destroyed in the allied bombing during the Second World War; the cathedrals still bear testimony to this city’s medieval past. Located at Domplatz, St Bartholomew Cathedral in Frankfurt is a most visited place in this metropolis.
Starting from 855 AD, kings of the Holy Roman Empire used to be elected from Frankfurt. However the crowning ceremony was held in Aachen. But later on, in the 13th century, both election and coronation processes started to be held in Frankfurt itself. St Bartholomew’s Cathedral was the venue of such coronation ceremonies. This cathedral was built in 1353. The Gothic architecture of this cathedral with high arches; spacious corridors and huge wooden doors draws thousands of tourists from all over the world. A renovation work was undertaken in the early 1990s which yielded a grave that dates back to the seventh century. The remains of a Merovingian girl and some items belonging to her were discovered from the grave. Some of the items found were gold jewelry and some bits and pieces of potteries. These items are on exhibit in the church museum. The entrance fee is only 2 Euros.
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