Perhaps Bonames’ name echoes through time. Bonames. A district of Frankfurt. We are standing at the southern entrance. The Metzler House catches our eye. It sits on a small hill. Tall trees surround it. Once, this was the heart of Bonames.
The area’s story stretches back to Roman times. Excavations in 2007 revealed a large roadside lodging. This “bona mansio,” Latin for “good hostel,” might be Bonames’ origin. Imagine Roman travelers finding rest here.
Documents first mention Bonames in 1030. It was part of the imperial estate. A Franconian Saalhof provided rest for kings. Legend says Swedish King Gustav Adolf stayed here during the Thirty Years’ War.
In the 19th century, the Tee-Schmidt merchant family acquired the building. Tea trader Johann Friedrich Schmidt commissioned Rudolph Burnitz to build a neoclassical structure. Only the vaulted cellar and medieval watchtower remain from earlier times.
The Metzler family gained possession through marriage in the 20th century. It served as a summer retreat. During World War II, the family lived here full-time. They shared space with other families escaping the Frankfurt bombings.
Since 1994, the Metzler bank has used the renovated property as a guesthouse. They host conferences and seminars. History comes full circle. Bonames returns to its roots as a “bona mansio.”
Bonames’ history includes more than just the Metzler House. In 1367, the lords of Bonames sold their castle to Frankfurt. Bonames became one of Frankfurt’s few rural communities. Bonames residents were equal to Frankfurt citizens.
The town was fortified in 1413. A ring wall, towers, gates, and ditches protected it. This defended Frankfurt’s territory from Taunus knights.
However, Bonames faced setbacks. The Frankfurt-Friedberg trade route shifted after the Friedberger Warte was built. Bonames’ growth slowed.
Bonames’ name has two possible origins. “Bona mansio” is the first. The second involves a good priest. People think that he preached good sermons. “Bona missa” means “Good show”.
In 1546, imperial forces burned Bonames and its castle during the Schmalkaldic War. Bonames rebuilt. The district continued to evolve.
Today, Bonames is well-connected. The U2 and U9 underground lines serve the district. Buses 24, 27, 28, and 29 also run through Bonames.
The August Jaspert School opened in 1955. It is named after a Frankfurt rector. August Jaspert founded the Wegscheide children’s village.
The “good hostel” of Roman times has transformed. Bonames remains a welcoming place. Its rich history blends with modern life. As we leave Bonames, consider its journey. From Roman rest stop to modern Frankfurt district, Bonames has seen centuries pass.