Eschenheimer Turm: Frankfurt's Medieval Gateway

Discover Frankfurt's medieval past at the Eschenheimer Turm, a beautifully preserved 15th-century gate tower offering a unique glimpse into the city's rich history and architectural heritage.

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Eschenheimer Tor 4

The Eschenheimer Turm, a striking 15th-century tower, stands as a proud remnant of Frankfurt's medieval fortifications. Rising 47 meters high, this iconic landmark once served as a city gate and is now one of the oldest and most unaltered buildings in Frankfurt's city center. Surrounded by a bustling plaza, the tower offers a glimpse into the city's rich history, contrasting beautifully with the modern skyscrapers that now define Frankfurt's skyline. Visitors can admire its intricate Gothic architecture, explore the café housed within its base, and imagine life within the tower walls centuries ago. Its historical significance and architectural beauty make it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Frankfurt, offering a unique blend of past and present in the heart of the city.

A brief summary to Eschenheimer Tor 4

Eschenheimer Tor 4, Frankfurt, Innenstadt I, 60318, DE

Local tips

Visit the tower during the day to fully appreciate its architectural details and explore the surrounding plaza.
Enjoy a coffee or meal at the café located inside the tower for a unique dining experience.
Combine your visit with a stroll along the Zeil shopping street and a tour of the Römerberg historic district.

Getting There

Public Transport

The Eschenheimer Turm is easily accessible via Frankfurt's efficient public transport system. Take the U-Bahn (subway) lines U1, U2, U3, or U8 to the Eschenheimer Tor station, which is directly beneath the plaza where the tower stands. Alternatively, several bus lines (e.g., 64, M36, N7, N8) stop at Eschenheimer Turm or Eschenheimer Tor. A short walk from the Hauptwache station, a major transportation hub, also provides access. A single ride on the U-Bahn or bus within Frankfurt costs approximately €2.75.
Walking

From the Hauptwache, Frankfurt's central square, the Eschenheimer Turm is approximately a 5-minute walk north along the Große Eschenheimer Straße. The tower is easily visible from a distance. From the Römerberg, walk north towards the Zeil, then continue along the Große Eschenheimer Straße to reach the tower. The walk is straightforward and well-signposted.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main train station) to the Eschenheimer Turm typically takes 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately €12-€18. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available in Frankfurt.
Driving

Parking near the Eschenheimer Turm is limited and can be expensive. Several parking garages are located within a short walking distance, including the Parkhaus MyZeil - PalaisQuartier and the City Parkhouse Turmcenter. Hourly parking rates in these garages typically range from €3 to €5, with daily maximums around €25-€30. If using a navigation system, enter 'Eschenheimer Tor' as the destination. Be aware of heavy traffic in the city center, especially during peak hours.

Discover more about Eschenheimer Tor 4

Eschenheimer Turm, a captivating vestige of Frankfurt's medieval past, stands tall as a testament to the city's rich history and architectural prowess. Constructed in the early 15th century, between 1400 and 1428, this 47-meter-high tower was an integral part of Frankfurt's late-medieval city fortifications. Today, it remains one of the oldest and most well-preserved structures in the Innenstadt (city center), offering a tangible link to a bygone era. The tower's construction was initiated by carpenter Klaus Mengoz, who began work on the rectangular base in 1400, replacing a smaller, earlier gate tower dating back to 1346. The project was then taken over by Madern Gerthener, the architect of the Frankfurt Cathedral, who completed the circular tower in 1428. The Eschenheimer Turm is an impressive example of late Gothic architecture, characterized by its soaring height, intricate details, and the use of red sandstone. Originally, the Eschenheimer Turm served as a city gate, controlling access to Frankfurt and providing a crucial defensive point. It was one of approximately sixty towers that once formed a protective ring around the city. However, between 1806 and 1812, most of these fortifications were demolished to make way for the city's expansion. The Eschenheimer Turm was spared from destruction thanks to the intervention of the French ambassador, Count d'Hédouville, who recognized its historical and architectural significance. The tower consists of eight levels and two attics, rising from a square base to a round tower that culminates in a steep spire. The spire is adorned with four smaller, equally proportioned side turrets and a projecting battlement, adding to its distinctive silhouette. The tower's design may have been inspired by the Adolfsturm, a similar tower built in Friedberg in 1347. Over the centuries, the Eschenheimer Turm has witnessed countless historical events and has become a symbol of Frankfurt's resilience and identity. It has been featured in numerous works of art and literature, and it continues to capture the imagination of visitors from around the world. The tower's image has even been used in the corporate logo of Henninger Bräu AG, a local brewery, further solidifying its status as a Frankfurt icon. Today, the Eschenheimer Turm stands in the center of a bustling plaza known as Eschenheimer Tor. The plaza is a major transportation hub, with a subway station located directly beneath the tower's foundations. The tower is surrounded by modern buildings and heavy traffic, creating a striking contrast between the old and the new. Despite its urban setting, the Eschenheimer Turm retains its charm and allure, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience Frankfurt's medieval heritage. The ground floor of the tower now houses a café, providing a unique setting for visitors to relax and enjoy a drink or a meal. The café's interior incorporates elements of the tower's original structure, such as the fireplace room of the tower guard, creating a cozy and atmospheric space. The tower also hosts occasional events, further enhancing its role as a cultural landmark. Visiting the Eschenheimer Turm is a must for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply experiencing the unique character of Frankfurt. It offers a tangible connection to the city's past, a reminder of its medieval origins, and a symbol of its enduring spirit. Whether you're admiring its intricate details from the outside, exploring the café within its base, or simply taking in the views from the surrounding plaza, the Eschenheimer Turm is sure to leave a lasting impression. The area surrounding the Eschenheimer Turm is also worth exploring. The Zeil, Frankfurt's main shopping street, is just a short walk away, offering a wide range of retail options. The Römerberg, Frankfurt's historic city center, is also nearby, with its charming half-timbered buildings and the iconic Römer city hall. The Eschenheimer Turm serves as a perfect starting point for discovering the many attractions that Frankfurt has to offer. As you stand in the shadow of this magnificent tower, take a moment to appreciate the centuries of history that it represents. Imagine the bustling medieval city that once surrounded it, the guards who kept watch from its ramparts, and the countless travelers who passed through its gates. The Eschenheimer Turm is more than just a building; it's a living testament to Frankfurt's past, a symbol of its present, and a beacon for its future.

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Die Bar

Eschenheimer Turm: Frankfurt's Medieval Gateway

A brief summary to Eschenheimer Tor 4

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Walking

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Eschenheimer Tor 4

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Book tours with entry

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Discover more about Eschenheimer Tor 4

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Eschenheimer Tor 4

Eschenheimer Turm

Philipp-Reis-Denkmal

Wandmalerei am CineStar

Sitzender

An der Hauptwache

Brockhaus Fountain

Opernpl.

Goethepl.

Ring der Statuen

St. Paul's Church, Frankfurt am Main

Westend Tower

Hessendenkmal

Körnerdenkmal

Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof

Unmissable attractions to see

Börse Frankfurt / Visitors Center

David and Goliath Sculpture

Hauptwache

Plaza Hauptwache

Café Hauptwache

Brockhaus-Brunnen

St. Catherine's Church

Goethe-Denkmal

Liebfrauen - Kapuzinerkloster und Kirche in Frankfurt

Dialog Museum

Liegende

Liebfrauen, Frankfurt

Alte Oper

Liebfrauenberg

Roßmarkt

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Estragon

Die Leiter

Ristorante Gallo Nero

Ristorante Fontana di Trevi Frankfurt

Restaurant Schoenemann

BonVivant Restaurant

Zu den 12 Aposteln

Medici

Seefeld

Salzkammer

Heimat

Restaurant GUSTAV

Ariston Restaurant

Zum Standesämtchen

Schwarzer Stern

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Ava Frankfurt

AURUM Second Hand Boutique

Oxfam Shop Frankfurt Nordend

Elbenwald

GALERIA Frankfurt an der Hauptwache

MyZeil

GANT

Replay

Fashion Designer outlet für exklusive Mode - All Season Frankfurt am Main

The Listener GmbH

FIRST Frankfurt

Primark

Wolford Boutique Frankfurt

Seiko Boutique

& Other Stories

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

barhundert - Frankfurt am Main

Die Weinbar Frankfurt