Paulskirche was a great bit of sightseeing when I first arrived in Frankfurt, and within 20 minute walk from the Hauptbahnhof.
It is swimming in German political history as it is the birthplace of Germany's Nationalversammlung (National Assembly) and German democracy in 1848, and continues to stand today to represent the democratic freedom and unity that is cherished. Although, it looks like an old church, but don't be fooled.
From the outside, the building looks wonderful with an oval shape and a tower at the entrance, which the information found inside details the construction and the evolution of the building. Even the almost complete destruction of the building during the second World War, like a lot of Frankfurt and Germany. It is so sad to read, hear and see these travesties. The entrance is just off the main road and Frankfurter Hof, that is a spectacular looking building.
Inside, there are two levels. the ground floor is in the round (as the building is) with a mural painted around the centre circular column. This depicts the evolution of the political establishment and MPs (Abgeordneten), and one can follow this all the way around. Around the outer side of the building, one finds a lot of information about the building, and history of German democracy, battles, formation, and more. There is a 10 minute documentary that can be played on a TV screen that summarises the history. the upper level is the "council chamber" so to say, It looks incredible, full of light and very bright, with all chairs facing one distinct point at the front, which looks like and altar, but is where the speaker of the assembly would stand. On the outer walls hangs flags from all factions and states from history. Truly amazing to see, and worth the visit.
However, a lot of information is translated to English, not all is, so some level of German is required. read more