St. Paul's Church (Paulskirche)
Paulskirche
The site where Germany's first democratically elected national assembly convened in 1848, regarded as the cradle of German democracy.
This round red sandstone church stands on the north side of Römerberg. In 1848–1849, Germany's first nationally elected parliament, the Frankfurt National Assembly, met here and drafted a constitution, so the church is regarded as the birthplace of parliamentary democracy in Germany. It was destroyed in World War II and rebuilt after the war as a memorial. It is no longer used for worship. Inside is an exhibition on the 1848 revolution. Every year the German Book Trade Peace Prize and the Goethe Prize are awarded here. Admission is free, but access may be affected during renovations, so check the official website.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–17:00; closed on event days (check official website)
Nearby sights
- Römerberg & New Old Town
- Historical Museum Frankfurt
- Kleinmarkthalle
- Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt
- Eiserner Steg
- Goethe House
- Museum für Moderne Kunst (MMK)
- Frankfurt Cathedral