Barfüßerkloster

Barfüßerkloster Frankfurt: Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Highlights

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Located in the heart of Frankfurt am Main, the Barfüßerkloster—originally a 13th-century Franciscan monastery—stands as a remarkable monument to the city’s medieval roots and its ongoing transformation. The site, once home to the “Barefoot Friars,” embodies centuries of religious, civic, and political developments. Today, its legacy endures through the Paulskirche, the adjacent Archaeological Garden, and ongoing educational and cultural initiatives. This guide delivers a thorough exploration of the Barfüßerkloster’s history, significance, practical visitor information (including opening hours and ticketing), and tips for experiencing one of Frankfurt’s most important historical sites.

For further historical context and planning, consult resources such as the Institute for the History of Frankfurt (ISG), LAGIS Hessen Historical Archive, and the Frankfurt tourism website.

Introduction
The Barfüßerkloster: Medieval Foundations and Development
Civic and Religious Role in Frankfurt
The Reformation, Secularization, and Library Legacy
From Barfüßerkloster to Paulskirche: Transformation and Symbolism
Visiting the Barfüßerkloster and Paulskirche: Practical Information
Architectural and Archaeological Legacy
The Barfüßerkloster in Frankfurt’s Historical Memory
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Planning Resources

The Barfüßerkloster: Medieval Foundations and Development

Founded around 1238, the Barfüßerkloster was one of Germany’s earliest Franciscan establishments (LAGIS Hessen). The Franciscans, known as “Barfüßer” or “barefooted friars”, vowed poverty and service, quickly embedding themselves within Frankfurt’s social and spiritual fabric. The monastery’s first documented mention dates to 1255, but local tradition traces its origins a few years earlier.

Strategically located at what is now Paulsplatz, the Barfüßerkloster’s church (Barfüßerkirche) was completed by 1270. Over the following decades, the monastery expanded, benefiting from city council and citizen endowments—evidence of its importance as both a spiritual center and a locus of community care (LAGIS Hessen).

Civic and Religious Role in Frankfurt

Throughout the Middle Ages, the Barfüßerkloster was central to public life. The friars provided pastoral care, maintained an important cemetery, and operated schools and charitable institutions. The city, in turn, supported the monastery with daily alms and donations.

Beyond its religious role, the Barfüßerkloster doubled as a civic venue. Until 1405, it functioned as the city’s assembly hall. During fairs, royal elections, and other major events, the monastery hosted dignitaries and provincial Franciscan chapters (LAGIS Hessen). Its dual purpose highlights the intersection of sacred space and urban governance in medieval Frankfurt.

The Reformation, Secularization, and Library Legacy

The 16th-century Reformation triggered profound changes. In 1526, the first Protestant sermon was delivered at the Barfüßerkirche, and by 1529, the friars relinquished their property to the city. The church was converted for Protestant worship, while the former monastic buildings became home to Frankfurt’s main gymnasium (secondary school) from 1542 (Wikipedia). Despite resistance, the transition was permanent. The monastery’s extensive library was acquired by the city, preserving centuries of scholarship (LAGIS Hessen).

From Barfüßerkloster to Paulskirche: Transformation and Symbolism

By the late 18th century, the Gothic Barfüßerkirche had deteriorated and was demolished in 1786–1787. Construction on the new Paulskirche (St. Paul’s Church) began in 1789, culminating in its neoclassical inauguration in 1833 (Wikipedia). Paulskirche soon gained national prominence: in 1848–1849, it hosted the Frankfurt Parliament, the first freely elected pan-German assembly, establishing its place as a cradle of democracy (Tourist Platform).

The building was severely damaged during World War II but was the first major structure in Frankfurt to be rebuilt postwar, reopening in 1948 as a memorial to German unity (audiala.com).

Visiting the Barfüßerkloster and Paulskirche: Practical Information

Opening Hours

Paulskirche: Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Mondays and public holidays. Event-related changes may apply—check the official site for updates.
Archaeological Garden (including Barfüßerkloster ruins): Typically open daily, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Hours may vary seasonally or during events (frankfurt.de).

Admission and Tickets

Entry to both Paulskirche and the Barfüßerkloster site is free. Special exhibitions or guided tours may require advanced booking and a fee.

Accessibility

Both sites are wheelchair accessible, with ramps and adapted restrooms. Assistance for visitors with limited mobility is available upon request.

Guided Tours and Events

Regular guided tours are available in multiple languages, offering deep insights into the site’s history and architecture. These can be arranged through the Frankfurt tourism office.
The Paulskirche hosts exhibitions, lectures, and the annual Peace Prize of the German Book Trade during the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Getting There and Nearby Attractions

Location: Paulsplatz, central Frankfurt, accessible by U-Bahn (Dom/Römer, Hauptwache), trams, and buses.
Combine your visit with the Römer, Frankfurt Cathedral, Museumsufer, and Goethe House—all within walking distance.

Architectural and Archaeological Legacy

While the original monastery buildings no longer stand, archaeological excavations have uncovered foundations and sections of the church and cloisters. These remains, integrated into the Archaeological Garden, offer a tangible link to Frankfurt’s medieval landscape (LAGIS Hessen). The Paulskirche’s oval neoclassical form, rebuilt after WWII with a modernized interior, continues to symbolize openness and democracy (audiala.com).

The Barfüßerkloster in Frankfurt’s Historical Memory

The Barfüßerkloster’s layered history is preserved and interpreted through the efforts of local archives, such as the Institute for the History of Frankfurt (ISG), special exhibitions, and educational programs. The site’s evolution—from a monastic foundation, through Protestant transformation, to the epicenter of democratic aspirations—mirrors the broader narrative of Frankfurt’s resilience and reinvention (Tourist Platform).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Barfüßerkloster/Paulskirche visiting hours?
A: Paulskirche is open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Archaeological Garden is typically open daily, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.

Q: Do I need a ticket to visit?
A: General admission is free; some special tours or exhibitions may require a ticket.

Q: Are the sites accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, both are wheelchair accessible.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in several languages. Book through the tourism office or official website.

Q: How do I get there?
A: Use public transport to Dom/Römer or Hauptwache stations; the site is centrally located.

Q: What else can I see nearby?
A: Römerberg, Frankfurt Cathedral, Museumsufer, and Goethe House are all close by.

Summary and Planning Resources

The Barfüßerkloster and its successor, Paulskirche, offer a compelling journey through Frankfurt’s religious, civic, and political history. Their accessibility, integration with other major landmarks, and rich educational opportunities make them essential for visitors seeking a deeper understanding of the city’s heritage. Plan your visit by checking current opening hours and tour availability, and consider using the Audiala app for audio guides and updates.

For more details, refer to these authoritative sources:

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Plan your trip today, and experience the living history at the Barfüßerkloster and Paulskirche—cornerstones of Frankfurt’s enduring spirit and democratic legacy.