Did you know the Steinerne Haus in Frankfurt was almost completely destroyed during World War II? Bombs reduced it to rubble. Yet it stands before us today a testament to meticulous reconstruction. Look at this magnificent building. It’s one of the few Frankfurt landmarks rebuilt with astonishing accuracy. This wasn’t just a simple restoration. It was a labour of love a costly undertaking that resurrected the past.
The Steinerne Haus has a rich history. Its site was inhabited even in Roman times. Excavations unearthed ancient walls. These suggested a Roman farmstead. Imagine the lives lived there centuries ago. The earliest written records trace the building’s origins to the late 13th century. The old documents described two narrow half-timbered houses on this plot. These were replaced in 1464.
The year 1464 marks a pivotal moment. The Melem family commissioned the construction of the Steinerne Haus. Johann von Melem a wealthy merchant laid the first stone. His son Johann the Younger helped. The Lersnersche Chronik a historical account details this event with surprising accuracy. They even note the time of day. Three alturns (ancient coins) were offered as a drink for the workers. The original building towered over the Frankfurt skyline for almost 500 years.
The Steinerne Haus remained in the Melem family’s possession for generations. They rose through Frankfurt’s social ranks. They moved from merchants to city officials. Think about the influence this family had. Their wealth and land fueled their political ambitions. The family’s impact was long-lasting. Later owners included prominent families like the Holzhausens. The Steinerne Haus served various purposes. It was a home a meeting place. Even Goethe’s sister Cornelia studied at an art school housed there.
In the 19th century the Steinerne Haus fell into disrepair. The economic changes diminished the city’s old center. The building and Frankfurt’s old town suffered. The city bought the Steinerne Haus in 1898. Its aim was preservation and restoration. They recognized its historical importance. The building became home to the Frankfurter Kunstverein the Frankfurt Art Association.
The World War II bombing left the Steinerne Haus in ruins. Only the exterior walls remained. The interior was destroyed. Yet even in this devastation parts survived. A gothic vault featuring the Melems’ coats of arms endured. It’s remarkable considering the extent of the destruction. The Steinerne Haus’s rebuilding project began in 1959 and concluded in 1962. Its reconstruction cost a staggering 2.4 million DM. It was an immense investment. The exterior was faithfully recreated. The interior however reflected the architectural style of the 1960s.
Today the Steinerne Haus stands as a symbol of Frankfurt’s resilient spirit. It’s a remarkable blend of history and reconstruction. The Frankfurt Art Association continues its legacy of showcasing art. It’s more than a building. It is a living piece of history. A visit is a journey through time. The Steinerne Haus’s story is one of resilience and rebirth. It’s a story worth remembering.