Was it arrogance or pure confidence that led the citizens of Frankfurt (Oder) to build such a magnificent Rathaus? Right before you stands not just a building, but a statement carved in brick and time. The Rathaus, with its soaring Gothic spires, speaks volumes of the city’s ambition. Construction began in 1253, a testament to Frankfurt’s burgeoning prosperity after gaining town rights. This wasn’t merely a place for governance; it was a marketplace, a courthouse, and a symbol of civic pride. The Rathaus has seen it all: flourishing trade, devastating wars, and even a lottery aptly named “Save the Rathaus” which funded its reconstruction after World War II. Look closely at the south gable – a gilded herring hangs there. A quirky reminder of Frankfurt’s dominance in the medieval herring trade. Today, the Rathaus still serves the city, housing the municipal government and the Galerie Junge Kunst, a haven for contemporary art. Yet, it whispers of a time when its halls echoed with merchants’ barters and councilmen’s debates. A silent sentinel, the Rathaus reminds us that Frankfurt (Oder)’s story continues to be written.
Stadion der Freundschaft
But the current state of the stadium is a sad reminder of the passage of time. Its original floodlights and