Staufenmauer, Medieval city wall in Frankfurt, Germany
The Staufenmauer is a medieval fortification that still stands in sections along Fahrgasse, rising between 6 and 8 meters high. The visible portion stretches roughly 75 meters and displays characteristic round arches typical of that era's defensive architecture.
Construction began in 1180 under Hohenstaufen rule as Frankfurt's first stone fortification to protect the growing settlement. The wall marked a turning point in the city's development into a fortified urban center.
The name refers to the Hohenstaufen dynasty that commissioned its construction. Visitors can still see the thick stone walls and defense walkways that reveal how Frankfurt protected itself during medieval times.
The wall sections are located near the Konstablerwache transportation hub, making them easy to visit while exploring Frankfurt's historic center. You can walk along and view the remains during an ordinary stroll through the area without special arrangements.
The original structure included three main gates - Guldenpforte, Bockenheimer Pforte, and Bornheimer Pforte - that controlled passage between old and new town sections. These gates were central to managing commerce and movement through the expanding city.
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