Seventy meters. That’s the impressive height of the tower known as Langer Franz. This tower has watched over Frankfurt for centuries. Langer Franz is more than just a tower. It is a symbol of Frankfurt’s resilience.
Langer Franz got its nickname from Mayor Franz Adickes. He guided the city from 1891 to 1912. Adickes even moved his office into the tower in 1904. Imagine the views he must have had.
Originally, Langer Franz was built in 1428. It was part of the city’s fortifications. It served as a watchtower. Over the centuries, Langer Franz was rebuilt and renovated. In the 17th century, it became part of Frankfurt City Hall. The 19th century saw it transformed into a lookout tower.
Tragedy struck during World War II. The top of Langer Franz was destroyed in an air raid on March 22, 1944. The tower lost its “hat,” as locals say. For years, the tower stood without its spire.
But Frankfurt never forgot Langer Franz. In recent years, there has been a strong desire to restore it. People see it as a symbol of the city’s history. It represents Frankfurt’s post-war recovery.
The Neue Brückenbauverein is leading the effort. They plan to rebuild the tower to its original 1908 state. The city is contributing 1.5 million euros to the project. The total cost is estimated at 2.5 million euros. Frankfurters are donating to help rebuild Langer Franz.
The reconstruction includes a multi-story spire. It will sit on top of the existing 45-meter-high tower. A 3-meter-high tower storey will be added. It will feature four bay towers. The spire itself will be approximately 20 meters high. The main roof will be a hipped roof. Dormers and bay towers will adorn each side.
Mayor Peter Feldmann urged residents to become sponsors. They could sponsor dormers, windows, and roof tiles. This collective effort will bring Langer Franz back to life.
Langer Franz was once a prominent feature of Frankfurt’s skyline. It stood alongside the Frankfurter Dom and St. Paul’s Church. Its ornate structure made it a landmark. The crowdfunding campaign aims to restore this iconic structure.
The Brückenbauverein wants to collect one million euros. The city of Frankfurt will match that amount. Over 200,000 euros have already been donated. Craftsmen are also invited to participate. Every donation helps.
The restoration of Langer Franz is more than architecture. It is a cultural event. It will raise awareness of Frankfurt’s rich history. Langer Franz is a symbol of Frankfurt. Its restoration is significant for the city and its residents.