Two eras in one place
Remains of a first-century Roman fort and a ninth-century Carolingian palace on the same ground.
Dontworry — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Frank Behnsen — CC BY-SA 3.0 · August Ravenstein — Public domain · August Ravenstein — Public domain
The Kaiserpfalz is an open archaeological site between the cathedral and the new old-town quarter, showing remains from two eras: a Roman fort of the first century and a Carolingian imperial palace from the time of Charlemagne and his son in the ninth. The name Frankfurt itself first appears in a document of 794 issued from this very place. The site is now roofed and protected beneath a modern building and can be looked at free of charge, with panels explaining what you see. It is small and needs no more than twenty minutes, but it is the oldest spot in Frankfurt.
Remains of a first-century Roman fort and a ninth-century Carolingian palace on the same ground.
The first document naming "Franconofurd" was issued here in 794.
Panels and reconstructions that make sense of stones which would otherwise be hard to read.
Archäologischer Garten, 60311 Frankfurt
The Stoltze MuseumThe Stoltze Museum is devoted to Friedrich Stoltze (1816-1891), the poet and jou1 minute walk4.4
Frankfurt CathedralFrankfurt Cathedral is a red Gothic church in the middle of the old town, its ta1 minute walk4.5
New Old TownThe New Old Town is a small quarter in the middle of Frankfurt that opened in 201 minute walk4.7
Caricatura MuseumThe Caricatura Museum is a small museum devoted to cartoon and satirical drawing1 minute walk4.6
Schirn Kunsthalle FrankfurtThe Schirn is not a museum in the ordinary sense, because it owns no permanent c1 minute walk4.3If archaeology or the city's origins interest you, yes — especially as it is free and lies on your route between the cathedral and Römerberg. If you want visually impressive ruins, it is modest: stone foundations rather than standing buildings.
On ordinary days it is viewed from the walkway above. Going down to the level of the remains happens on occasional guided tours — ask at the nearby Historical Museum for times.
Twenty minutes with the panels. Combine it with the neighbouring cathedral and Römerberg in one walk.