Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt, situated in the heart of Europe, is a city that mixes the ancient and modern. Located in south-western Germany on the Main River, Frankfurt possesses sleek skyscrapers that loom just around the corner from medieval squares. Romerberg square--the center of the city--is where the first Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne, constructed a fort to claim Frankfurt as one of the two capitals of his empire. Accordingly, Frankfurt was the city where each succeeding Holy Roman Emperor was crowned, as well as being the site of Gutenberg's original printing press and shop.

This regal municipality not only boasts a rich history, but it is also Germany's banking and financial capital. The Rothschilds opened their first bank in 1798--setting in motion the city's banking culture. The large number of banks, the Frankfurt Borse Stock Exchange, and the renowned trade fairs draw business travelers year-round.

The world of business is balanced by a strong love of the arts, with the Frankfurt government spending a larger part of its budget on the arts than any other European city. So it's no surprise that Frankfurt is home to the Museumsufer (Museum Mile), a row of 13 superb museums on both banks of the Main River. This vibrantly cosmopolitan city filled with world-class ballet, theater, and opera is where influential literary critic Walter Benjamin lived and where the renowned poet and dramatist, Goethe, was born.

The architectural layout of the city reflects its historically significant past. After suffering great damage during World War II, the city was rebuilt with soaring skyscrapers and is now home to Europe's tallest office building. While the modern high-rises are impressive, it is the older facades that are of real interest to tourists. The Romer (comprised of three Patrician buildings with a three-pronged gable facade and ornate balcony), is Frankfurt's most dramatic architectural symbol, once holding banquets to honor the coronations of the Holy Roman Emperors.

Other sites of historic interest are the 15th-century Sheperd's Tower, the 17th-century St. Catherine's Church, and the old quarter of Sachsenhausen--where you can sit and sip apple wine at one of the many famous taverns. All in all, Frankfurt is a city of great commerce and beauty, holding many hidden treasures of modern charm and historic import.