Höchster Altstadt

The Höchster Altstadt is an old town district with around 400 half-timbered and medieval buildings arranged along narrow streets near the Main River in Frankfurt's western section. The structures span different periods and form a continuous streetscape punctuated by squares with historic churches and civic buildings.

The district originated in medieval times and suffered major destruction from fires in 1586 and 1778, leading to rebuilding with a modified street layout. It received heritage protection status in 1972, which enabled systematic restoration of its historical structures.

The district developed its character through ceramics production, a craft still visible in workshops and local institutions today. This artisanal heritage has shaped how residents and visitors experience the neighborhood.

The district is best explored on foot, as most streets are closed to car traffic and the compact layout makes wandering easy. Nearby bus stops and an underground train station provide good connections to other parts of Frankfurt.

Within the historic streets sits one of Germany's oldest porcelain manufacturers, with workshops and production facilities still partly visible to visitors today. This continuous operation spanning more than two centuries is noteworthy, as few European manufacturers maintained unbroken production for so long.