A clock’s gentle tick echoes within the Rententurm. This tower stands as a proud vestige of Frankfurt’s late Gothic fortifications. You’ll spot this four-story building to your right. It’s situated elegantly on the corner as you face Römerberg.
Built in 1456, the Rententurm is a testament to Frankfurt’s history. Eberhard Friedberger, a skilled architect, designed it. The tower boasts a square floorplan. A pointed spire and four turrets combine strength and elegance. Locals call it a “Five-knob tower.”
The Rententurm secures the Fahrtor. This was Frankfurt’s most important city gate on the Main. It connected the Römerberg with the harbor. Since 1869, the Eiserner Steg’s northern bridgehead has stood opposite the Rententurm.
The Rententurm is part of the Saalhof ensemble. The Saalhof was once the Staufer imperial palace. By the time the Rententurm was built, it was privately owned.
The Rententurm had a dual role. It protected the city gate and collected tolls and port charges. The tower’s basement even served as the city prison. However, it occasionally flooded when the Main River surged.
All goods arriving in Frankfurt by river had to be declared here. Indirect taxes were also paid at the Fahrtor. These mainly concerned the import and export of commercial goods. Wine was the most important of these goods. It arrived in large wooden barrels. Other taxable goods included drinks, grains, crops, and salted fish.
In 1383, the city’s civil code first recorded the taxes. These taxes included the “Ungeld”. This was a consumption tax on wine, salt, and food. Sellers had to pay it.
From 1715 to 1717, the baroque Bernusbau replaced the river wall. Bernhard Kirn, a Cistercian pater, designed it. Since then, the building has been the Rententurm’s direct neighbor.
In the 19th century, the Rententurm lost about three meters of its height. This was because the Main’s riverbanks were raised. After World War I, writer Fritz von Unruh lived in the tower.
During World War II, parts of the Rententurm burned. The roof and clockwork were destroyed. After the war, the damaged parts were rebuilt. However, a suitable clockwork wasn’t installed until 2012.
The Rententurm is one of three remaining gate towers. The others are the Eschenheimer Turm and the Kuhhirtenturm. Since May 26, 2012, the Rententurm has been open to the public. It is part of the Historisches Museum. Metal floors allow visitors to see through the tower. The tower also has a functioning clock again.
Photographs show the flood levels of the Main. The “toll office” was located in the tower. It tells the story of Frankfurt’s economy and trade. Objects show the connection between port and trade. They also show toll and tax payments.
In etchings, the clock stands out. The clock was restored to give the Rententurm its character. The clock’s dials and hands remained. The clockwork was lost during the war.
Before installation, the clockwork was carefully restored. The clock’s face now shines. Its gilded Roman numerals catch the sunlight. The Rententurm stands tall. It watches over Frankfurt, a symbol of resilience.