Memorial to the Book Burning
A poignant memorial on Frankfurt's Römerberg commemorating the Nazi book burnings of 1933, serving as a chilling reminder of censorship and the importance of freedom of expression.
Located on the Römerberg in Frankfurt, the Gedenktafel Bücherverbrennung (Memorial Plaque to the Book Burning) marks a somber event in history. On May 10, 1933, Nazi students burned books by Jewish, leftist, and other authors deemed "un-German." The memorial, a bronze plaque embedded in the cobblestones, features an inscription with a chilling quote by Heinrich Heine: "Where they burn books, they will also, in the end, burn people." It serves as a constant reminder of the dangers of censorship and intolerance. The memorial is located near the Fountain of Justice and the Old St. Nicholas Church, making it a poignant stop during a tour of Frankfurt's historic city center. The understated design encourages reflection on the past and its implications for the present and future, urging visitors to uphold the values of freedom and expression.
A brief summary to Gedenktafel Bücherverbrennung
- Römerberg, Frankfurt, Innenstadt I, 60311, DE
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a more contemplative experience, as the Römerberg can get crowded during peak hours.
- Take a moment to read the inscription carefully and reflect on its meaning in the context of history and current events.
- Combine your visit with a tour of the Römerberg and other nearby historical sites to gain a deeper understanding of Frankfurt's past.
- Consider researching the authors whose books were burned to learn more about their lives and works.
- Look for the memorial near the Fountain of Justice (Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen) and the Old St. Nicholas Church (Alte Nikolaikirche) to easily locate it on the Römerberg.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Hauptwache station, a major public transport hub, walk south along the Zeil pedestrian zone. Turn left onto Römerberg, following signs for the Römer. The memorial plaque is embedded in the cobblestones near the Fountain of Justice (Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen), between the Römer and the Alte Nikolaikirche. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.
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Public Transport
Take the U4 or U5 subway line to the Dom/Römer station. Upon exiting the station, you'll find yourself directly on the Römerberg. The Gedenktafel Bücherverbrennung is located a short walk away, near the Fountain of Justice (Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen) and the Alte Nikolaikirche. A single ride ticket within Frankfurt costs approximately €2.60.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-share from Frankfurt Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to the Römerberg will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €12-€18. Ask the driver to drop you off as close to the Römer as possible, as the square is largely pedestrianized. From there, walk towards the Fountain of Justice (Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen); the memorial is nearby.
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Driving
Driving directly to the Römerberg is not possible due to the pedestrian zone. The closest parking garage is the Parkhaus Dom/Römer, located directly underneath the Römerberg. Hourly parking rates are approximately €2.50. From the parking garage, take the elevator or stairs up to the Römerberg. The memorial is a short walk away, near the Fountain of Justice (Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen).
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