Ever wondered what it was like to defend Frankfurt centuries ago? Today, we stand before the Friedberger Warte, a relic from the 15th century. It offers a glimpse into the city’s historic defenses.
The Friedberger Warte wasn’t just a pretty tower. It was a crucial part of Frankfurt’s Landwehr, a defensive system built starting in the late 14th century. Think of the Landwehr as a protective ring around Frankfurt. It extended three to four kilometers beyond the city walls. This ring consisted of deep ditches and dense hedges called “Gebück.” These defenses guarded Frankfurt’s rural surroundings.
The Friedberger Warte is one of four surviving watchtowers. The others are Sachsenhäuser Warte, Galluswarte, and Bockenheimer Warte. The Friedberger Warte is the best preserved. These weren’t just towers. They were farmsteads with strong towers and connecting defensive structures. Guards kept watch from these towers around the clock.
Built in 1478, the Friedberger Warte replaced an earlier tower from 1350. Its construction followed Frankfurt’s acquisition of Bornheim in 1475. The Warte secured this new territory. The complex includes a rectangular courtyard surrounded by various buildings. The most striking feature is the slender watchtower. It stands on the left corner when viewed from the entrance.
In 1546, the Friedberger Warte saw military action during the Schmalkaldic War. Frankfurt’s forces successfully defended against imperial troops here. However, the tower suffered damage during the Thirty Years’ War. In 1634, Croatian troops set fire to the tower and its courtyard. It was rebuilt by 1637. After that, it served as a customs station and fire watch post. Since 1815, it has been home to a popular apple wine restaurant. Since 1885, the tower has also functioned as a ventilation shaft for the sewer system.
For years, the Friedberger Warte stood in the middle of a traffic circle. This circle connected Friedberger Landstraße and Homburger Landstraße. This situation changed between 2011 and 2017 with the construction of tram line 18. The surrounding streets were reorganized. Now, they all run west of the Friedberger Warte. This created a space for markets and events. A weekly market takes place here every Tuesday.
Today, the Friedberger Warte is a protected historical landmark. But it’s more than that. It is a restaurant that serves Frankfurt’s famous apple wine. It also offers regional specialties. The tradition of serving apple wine here dates back to the 18th century. You can enjoy traditional Frankfurt cuisine. Try Handkäse mit Musik, green sauce, or ribs with sauerkraut. And of course, wash it down with Ebbelwoi from the tap. What better place to savor Frankfurt’s flavors than in these historic walls dating back to 1478? The Friedberger Warte offers a unique blend of history and hospitality.