Discover the centuries-old history and appreciate the opulence of Frankfurt Cathedral at the Cathedral Museum (Dommuseum). Find exhibits of the ceremonial robes of Holy Roman emperors, decorative textiles, jewelry and liturgical instruments. The Cathedral Museum is housed within the 15th-century cloister of the cathedral. After visiting the museum, take a guided tour of the cathedral and retrace the life of Europe’s most influential ancient leaders.
Look for a major highlight of the museum, the 7th-century tomb of a young girl from a Merovingian family. Archaeologists uncovered the tomb during excavations carried out in the 1990s. They found a precious collection of gold, silver and gem-encrusted jewelry items in addition to amulets, antique toys, ceramics and glassware.
See the skull of St. Bartholomew, one of Jesus’ 12 Apostles, in the adjacent Frankfurt Cathedral. Admire a silver bust of St. Bartholomew by Franz Ignaz Berdolt and a crystal-coated repository by German goldsmith Karl Borromäus Berthold. Peruse examples of liturgical instruments that date from the 14th to 20th centuries. Study the intricately designed paraments, which are cloths used to decorate altars, pulpits and communion tables.
Don’t miss the displays of luxurious medieval and Baroque capes, crowns and robes. Many were used at the coronation ceremonies of the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, held at the cathedral between 1562 and 1792. Read about the cathedral’s long history, including its rebuilding after World War II bomb damage.
If you have time, join a free guided tour of Frankfurt Cathedral. Learn about its role in the Holy Roman Empire and the many stages of its interior’s construction. Climb to the 216-foot (66-meter) observation deck of the church’s tower to enjoy panoramic views over Old Town.
Walk a short distance to the Cathedral Museum and Frankfurt Cathedral from the Dom/Römer U-Bahn station or several tram stops. The museum is open daily and has an admission fee. The cathedral is also open daily, with a fee to climb the tower.
