Römer City Hall stands on the western side of Römerberg, Frankfurt’s historic central square. Its three stepped gables and statues of emperors make it one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, while the larger complex continues to serve as Frankfurt’s seat of local government.
The city acquired the original Römer buildings in 1405. For centuries, the hall played a part in the ceremonies surrounding Holy Roman imperial elections and coronations, with lavish banquets held in the Kaisersaal, or Imperial Hall. Badly damaged during the Second World War, the building was reconstructed after the conflict and remains a symbol of Frankfurt’s civic life.
The façade is worth lingering over from Römerberg, but the Kaisersaal offers a closer encounter with the building’s history: its walls are lined with portraits of Holy Roman rulers. In the weeks before Christmas, the square fills with market stalls, lights and visitors, giving the old town a particularly atmospheric backdrop.
The exterior is free to admire; check Frankfurt’s official website for Kaisersaal opening times and admission, as civic events can restrict access. Dom/Römer U-Bahn station is a short walk away. Come on a weekday morning for a quieter view of the square, and wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled streets.