To find the centre of Frankfurt, head to the livelyHauptwache building. This baroque-style construction was once the headquartersof the local militia, and serves as a reminder of Frankfurt’s history as asovereign city-state. Now serving a much less formal role as a café, visit toenjoy a hot drink by the city’s central square.
The Hauptwache actually means “main watch” and it wasthe primary military presence in Frankfurt from as early as 1730. It continuedthis role until the 19th century when the city was annexed byPrussia. Enjoy its preserved baroque-style architecture and its fascinatingredbrick moulding surrounding the windows.
The Hauptwache was reformed as a café as early as 1905, so enjoy acoffee culture that has been refined for over a century. For the peckish, trythe Frankfurt specialty dish, Grüne Soße (green sauce with eggs and potatoes),accompanied by delicious Ebbelwoi, a sweet apple wine.
While in the centre of Frankfurt,explore the busy plaza surrounding the Hauptwache. Located at the intersectionstation for many subway lines, it provides a great stopover point betweendestinations. Alternatively, take a walk through the energetic streets ofFrankfurt’s nearby shopping districts, including the Zeil to the east andGoethestrasse to the west.
From your seat in the Hauptwache, enjoythe impressive façade of the St. Catherine’s Church. This building was whereJohann Wolfgang von Goethe, the famous Frankfurt-born author, was baptised in1749. Though the church had to be rebuilt following its destruction followingWorld War II, it has been faithfully reconstructed to its former glory.
Other nearby attractions include somehighly unconventional and fascinating architectural feats. To the northeast ofthe Hauptwache lies the Nextower, which was built to appear as if it wasmoments away from ruins. Look to the east to see the MyZeil building, and itsquirky hole-punch design.
The café is open every day and is easilyaccessible via the large number of U-Bahn and S-bahn lines that pass throughthe area.
