Did you know that Frankfurt Cathedral is not actually a cathedral? It is officially the Imperial Dome of Saint Bartholomew. However, it is commonly called Frankfurt Cathedral. It is a Roman Catholic Gothic church in the heart of Frankfurt am Main.
Let me tell you a story about this magnificent building. Frankfurt Cathedral is not just a church. It is a symbol of German national unity. Especially it was important in the 19th century.
The current church is actually the third one on this very site. Buildings have been here since the seventh century. The cathedral’s history is closely linked to Frankfurt’s history. It was associated with the Royal Palace in Frankfurt.
In German, the church is called Dom. This refers to collegiate churches. The English translation is traditionally cathedral. But Frankfurt has never been a bishop’s seat. St. Bartholomew’s is Frankfurt’s main church. It was built in the 14th and 15th centuries. This was on the foundation of an earlier church. That earlier church dated back to Merovingian times.
King Louis the German founded the Salvator Basilica in 852. Archbishop Rabanus Maurus consecrated it. The palace next to the cathedral was built in the 9th century. It replaced a royal court from the 7th century.
From the 11th century, the royal palace lost importance. Around the 12th century, Conrad III used it for gatherings. Later, city residents used its thick walls for cellars. The Palace Church was replaced by the Gothic cathedral. The community of canons hosted the cathedral for almost 1,000 years. This was from its foundation in 852 until 1803.
The Golden Bull of 1356 was important. It declared that emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were elected here. They were elected as Kings of the Romans. From 1562 to 1792, emperors-elect were crowned here. The imperial elections were in the Wahlkapelle. This chapel was on the south side of the choir. It was built in 1425. The crowning took place before the central altar. People believed it enshrined part of St. Bartholomew’s head.
When Frankfurt secularized, it took over the Catholic churches. However, it allowed Catholic parishes to use them. St. Bartholomew’s became a city dotation church. The city owned and maintained it. Catholic and Lutheran congregations used it.
St. Bartholomew’s became a symbol of national unity in the 19th century. It had never been a bishop’s seat. But it was the largest church in Frankfurt. Also, it had a role in imperial politics. Medieval German emperors were crowned here. This made it one of the most important buildings in Imperial history.
In 1867, a fire destroyed St. Bartholomew’s. It was rebuilt in its present style. During World War II, Frankfurt’s old town was devastated. St. Bartholomew’s suffered severe damage. The interior burned completely. The building was reconstructed in the 1950s. The spire is 95 meters tall.
The Frankfurt Cathedral Choir School was founded in 2011. It is a mixed ecumenical choir. It accompanies mass, evensongs, and official events. The school offers free vocal training to any singer. This extensive basic training is unique for Frankfurt.
Many notable people are associated with the cathedral. Conrad III of Dhaun was a former provost. Madern Gerthener designed the cathedral. Johannes Jeep was an organist.
As you stand here, remember the emperors, the fires, and the rebuilding. Frankfurt Cathedral represents centuries of German history. It stands as a testament to Frankfurt’s enduring spirit.