Frankfurt Römer

This is the Römer in Frankfurt, which was the center of the city before World War II. On the left is the cathedral (the Dom) and on the right the Nikolaikirche (St. Nicholas church). The city was virtually entirely destroyed by bombs during the war, so every building you see has been reconstructed, including the two mentioned. (Actually the blue sky is almost as notable as anything else in the picture--we had no rain today, for the first time during our stay.)

Even given the reconstruction (including numerous skyscrapers) and its many financial institutions, Frankfurt is a wonderful city, especially for its culture. It is relatively small (ca. 600,oo0) but has at least two dozen museums, many art galleries, and high-class music and theater. Our host Guenter says that the opera has become the best in Germany.

Near the Römer ist the Paulskirche (St. Paul's church), which in 1848 housed Germany's first democratic parliament.

Tomorrow morning we take the train for Paris!