How about stepping back in time to 1390? Imagine Frankfurt was a city frequently embattled with neighboring lords. The citizens decided to expand their defense systems. That’s when they erected the Kuhhirtenturm.
The Kuhhirtenturm. It stands as a late-Gothic defensive tower in Sachsenhausen. It served as a gate tower and protected the Main riverbank.
Initially, four other towers stood nearby. They were about 50 meters apart. The Kuhhirtenturm’s gate connected to Paradiesgasse. It mainly served fishermen accessing the Main River.
Fast forward to the 19th century. Frankfurt’s fortifications became obsolete. They were demolished but the Kuhhirtenturm was spared due to its continued use as a passageway to the Main. It became a residential building.
In 1884, demolition was again considered. But Frankfurt citizens protested and saved it. In 1923, the city offered the tower to composer Paul Hindemith as a residence.
Hindemith renovated the Kuhhirtenturm at his own expense. He moved in with his family in October 1923. He lived there until 1927, later his mother and sister lived there until 1943.
During World War II, the Kuhhirtenturm suffered heavy damage. Only the foundation walls up to the third floor remained. The timber-framed fourth floor and roof were completely destroyed.
After the war, bombed-out residents and refugees used the makeshift tower as accommodation. In 1957, a new youth hostel was built around the Kuhhirtenturm. The tower was restored and integrated into the hostel.
Since 2010, the city has extensively renovated the Kuhhirtenturm. Today, it houses the Hindemith Cabinet. This exhibition showcases Hindemith’s life and work. The music room on the fourth floor hosts chamber music concerts.
Paul Hindemith shaped Frankfurt’s musical reputation in the 1920s. He lived in the Kuhhirtenturm from 1923 to 1927. He composed his first opera, Cardillac, there. He also created chamber and orchestral music within its walls.
The Hindemith Kabinett traces his life through original documents and sound recordings. The attic room offers panoramic views. It also serves as a tiny chamber music room.
The Kuhhirtenturm got its name in the early 19th century. Fortified towers became housing for the poor. Sachsenhausen’s cowherd moved into the tower. People called the building “elephant” because of its bulk.
So, as you stand before the Kuhhirtenturm remember its journey. From defensive tower to composer’s residence, to a memorial of music. It is a landmark with stories etched in its stones.