Old Nicholas Church (Alte Nikolaikirche), Frankfurt
The Old Nicholas Church (German: Alte Nikolaikirche), located near the R枚mer city hall in the Old Town (Altstadt) of Frankfurt, is a medieval Lutheran temple dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of fishermen. The current building dates back to the mid-15th century, replacing the original chapel on this site that stood since the mid-12th century. The foundations of the previous Nikolaikirche found during excavations are now marked on the floor and give the impression of its dimensions.
The Reformation proved a turning point in the history of Nikolaikirche. In the 15th century, the existing structure had a tower with leveled roof and a balcony added. The latter served as a viewing gallery for aristocrats when passion plays and other events took place in the plaza below. In 1543, the church was closed and its altars were demolished.
Over the next 150 years, the building was leased and used as an archive for the municipal jury and, at times, as a warehouse during trade fairs. A trumpeter watchman, stationed in the steeple, announced the arrival of boats up and down the River Main by blowing a horn. The bugle also sounded, like the modern-day alarm, whenever fires were sighted.
In 1838, the church was completely renovated. The previously closed northern portal facing Saturday Mountain was opened, and the roof, gallery, and corner turret were renewed. In 1903, the damaged cast-iron spire was torn down and replaced a year later by the pointed copper roof that still exists.
During World War II, the Alte Nikolaikirche was one of the very few historical buildings in downtown Frankfurt to be spared from destruction by aerial warfare. Only the 19th-century organ, despite being walled in, had become unusable from the effects of the war for reasons not quite known. The reconstruction of the building, which started in the summer of 1947, was completed relatively quickly, by the end of December 1948.
The church has a double aisle hall with a high Gothic choir and 51 bells, four of which are used for peals and 47 for carillons. The church is also renowned for its acoustics. Organ concerts, hand bells, trumpets, choirs, and brass bands perform here regularly. Another attraction is the spiral stairway leading to the gallery which affords a spectacular view of Romerberg Plaza.
The Reformation proved a turning point in the history of Nikolaikirche. In the 15th century, the existing structure had a tower with leveled roof and a balcony added. The latter served as a viewing gallery for aristocrats when passion plays and other events took place in the plaza below. In 1543, the church was closed and its altars were demolished.
Over the next 150 years, the building was leased and used as an archive for the municipal jury and, at times, as a warehouse during trade fairs. A trumpeter watchman, stationed in the steeple, announced the arrival of boats up and down the River Main by blowing a horn. The bugle also sounded, like the modern-day alarm, whenever fires were sighted.
In 1838, the church was completely renovated. The previously closed northern portal facing Saturday Mountain was opened, and the roof, gallery, and corner turret were renewed. In 1903, the damaged cast-iron spire was torn down and replaced a year later by the pointed copper roof that still exists.
During World War II, the Alte Nikolaikirche was one of the very few historical buildings in downtown Frankfurt to be spared from destruction by aerial warfare. Only the 19th-century organ, despite being walled in, had become unusable from the effects of the war for reasons not quite known. The reconstruction of the building, which started in the summer of 1947, was completed relatively quickly, by the end of December 1948.
The church has a double aisle hall with a high Gothic choir and 51 bells, four of which are used for peals and 47 for carillons. The church is also renowned for its acoustics. Organ concerts, hand bells, trumpets, choirs, and brass bands perform here regularly. Another attraction is the spiral stairway leading to the gallery which affords a spectacular view of Romerberg Plaza.
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Old Nicholas Church (Alte Nikolaikirche) on Map
Sight Name: Old Nicholas Church (Alte Nikolaikirche)
Sight Location: Frankfurt, Germany (See walking tours in Frankfurt)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Frankfurt, Germany (See walking tours in Frankfurt)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Frankfurt, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Frankfurt
Creating your own self-guided walk in Frankfurt is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Today Frankfurt is a predominantly secular city, but it still has a significant Christian presence.
The history of Christianity in Frankfurt dates back to the Middle Ages when, as a free city-state, it became an essential segment of the Holy Roman Empire. As the city grew, so did its Christian community. Several important churches appeared during that period, including the Old Nicholas Church... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
The history of Christianity in Frankfurt dates back to the Middle Ages when, as a free city-state, it became an essential segment of the Holy Roman Empire. As the city grew, so did its Christian community. Several important churches appeared during that period, including the Old Nicholas Church... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Shopping Streets
Frankfurt may well be an international business center in the first place, but not everything, by far, revolves here around finance. The city can also provide a top shopping experience for those seeking to invest in international and best German designer merchandise.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
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At some point, the city was even referred to as "Jerusalem of the West", highlighting its importance as a center of Jewish life... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
The German city of Frankfurt, also known as Frankfurt am Main, has a long and complex history, spanning more than a thousand years. The Romans established a military camp called "Nida" in the area that is now Frankfurt, on the northern bank of the River Main, in the 1st century AD.
The town itself was founded by the Franks, a Germanic tribe, in the 9th century. Its name comes from... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
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