Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Cathedral · Frankfurt, Hesse
Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus
Gothic church with a 95-meter tower where the kings of the Holy Roman Empire were elected and, between 1562 and 1792, crowned. The tower can be climbed on foot.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus
Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus is the largest church in Frankfurt and one of the most important places in the history of the Holy Roman Empire. Despite the nickname Dom (cathedral), it was never the seat of a bishop: it was a collegiate church that acquired the title of "imperial cathedral" for being the site of the election of kings and, from 1562 to 1792, of coronations.
The current Gothic building was erected mainly between 1250 and 1514. The west tower remained unfinished for centuries and was only completed after a fire in 1867, following the medieval designs. Inside, it's worth looking for the election chapel (Wahlkapelle), where the prince-electors met, and the tomb of Günther von Schwarzburg.
The tower has 328 steps to the viewing platform, with views over the old town center, the River Main and the skyscrapers. The climb is steep and by a narrow staircase. In the Türmerstube, the old watchman's residence, at 66 meters, there is an exhibition about the history of the tower that opens on certain days.
The Dommuseum, in the cloister, houses the treasure of Frankfurt's collegiate churches, with goldsmith's work and vestments, and finds from excavations under the church. The cathedral is at the end of the Krönungsweg, the coronation route that links the Römerberg to the Domplatz via the Neue Altstadt.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes in the church. The tower climb takes an additional 30 to 45 minutes; the Dommuseum about 45 minutes.
Best time
In the morning the church is usually quieter. The tower is best on clear days. From April to October the tower generally has longer opening hours; from November to March it opens fewer hours and is closed on Mondays. Avoid mass times for moving around.
How to get there
Dom/Römer subway station (U4 and U5), a 2-minute walk. From the Römerberg, follow the Neue Altstadt, about 5 minutes.
Tip
Entry to the church is free; the tower has its own ticket office at its base, and the Dommuseum charges a separate admission. Wear sturdy footwear for the stairs. The last ascent is usually 30 minutes before closing.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus
Why is it called the imperial cathedral?
Because kings of the Holy Roman Empire were elected there, and between 1562 and 1792 emperors were also crowned there. The church was never a bishop's seat, but it gained the title because of that role.
How many steps does the tower have?
There are 328 steps up to the viewing platform. The climb is steep and via a narrow staircase, with no elevator.
Do you need to pay to enter?
Entrance to the church is free. The tower and the Dommuseum have an admission fee.
Does the tower open every day?
From April to October it usually opens daily. From November to March the hours are shorter and the tower is closed on Mondays. Check before you go.