Bolongaropalast

Gazing upon the majestic Bolongaropalast, one can almost hear the whispers of history echoing through its grand halls. The Bolongaropalast stands proudly in Frankfurt-Höchst. It’s a grand baroque palace, built between 1772 and 1780. Its story is one of ambition, resilience, and a touch of irony. The Bolongaro brothers, Josef Maria Markus and Jakob Philipp, were successful tobacco merchants. They built this opulent palace as a testament to their prosperity. Ironically, despite their wealth, they were initially denied citizenship in Frankfurt due to their Catholic faith in the predominantly Lutheran city. This led them to Höchst, where they finally found acceptance. The Bolongaropalast briefly served as their residence. However, after Josef’s death in 1779, the family eventually gained Frankfurt citizenship in 1783. The palace then took on a new role, hosting prominent figures during the Napoleonic Wars. Imagine, within these very walls, Emperor Napoleon himself spent his last night on German soil in 1813. Shortly after, his pursuer, Prussian Marshal Blücher, used the Bolongaropalast as his headquarters. Over the years, the Bolongaropalast transitioned from a grand residence to a factory, then back to its former glory. The city of Höchst purchased and meticulously restored the palace in the early 20th century. It served as Höchst’s town hall until 1928. Today, the Bolongaropalast houses the district administration. It continues to serve as a cultural hub, hosting concerts and events within its magnificent halls. The Bolongaropalast is more than just a building. It is a living testament to a fascinating family’s legacy. It embodies a unique chapter in Frankfurt’s history.