Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 22, The city's most noticeable landmark, Fortresses Marienberg, stands high above the River Main dominating the scene. While intense bombing at the end of WWII left more than 90 percent of the Old Town Altstadt destroyed, it has since been painstakingly rebuilt.
A fascinating display about the tragic bombing, marked each year by the rising of the city's church bells, can be seen in the Old Town Hall. The Old Town is also a vibrant cultural center and boasts numerous events, festivals, historical tourist attractions, and fine old hotels. Although heavily damaged in WWII, much of the building has now been restored to its former glory, a process that took over 42 years to complete. All told, some 40 rooms are open to visitors to tour.
You'll also have a chance to view the beautiful Court Church. Also of interest is a memorial room with exhibits relating to the palace's destruction during the bombing of and its reconstruction.
This includes a fascinating exhibit dedicated to the U. Army's "Monuments Men" who helped ensure the preservation of its art treasures as the war ended. Admission includes a guided tour of the main rooms, and guidebooks and other useful resources can be picked up at the on-site shop.
Highlights include a superb collection of antiquities, a fine picture gallery, and a print cabinet. It's one of the biggest university art galleries in Europe, and highlights of a visit include the chance to view a large number of rare antiquities, an impressive collection of graphic art, as well as numerous important paintings.
