Frankfurt

Frankfurt is sited in the state of Hesse. It is the 5th main urban centre in Germany and has a population of over 2 million people. The city is located on the river Main - one of the key tributaries of The Rhine - thus Frankfurt is called as Frankfurt am Main in Germany, which simply translates to "Frankfurt on the Main" in English.   It is the economic core of Germany and is considered the leading financial hub in the whole of Continental Europe. It is home to the European Central Bank, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, German Federal Bank, and the Frankfurt Trade Fair. Aside from that, Frankfurt is also the transport hub of the country. In fact, Frankfurt Airport is among the busiest international airports in the world. Meanwhile, the Frankfurt Central Station is one of the leading terminal stations in Europe, and the popular Autobahn (or Frankfurter Kreuz) is the busiest interchange in the continent.   Travellers to the city are mostly those who attend the numerous exhibitions, trade fairs, and congresses. However, Frankfurt does offer tourists with a number of notable attractions and activities. Frankfurt's attractions are both historic and cultural, and are well worth taking the time to visit.   Among the first places to visit in the city is the Römerberg. Located at the centre of the town, it is the oldest part of Frankfurt, and features an assortment of buildings dating back to the 14th as well as 15th century. Nearby is the 14th century Gothic-styled Saint Bartholomeus' Cathedral or Dom, which was a place used to hold the crowning of kings of the Holy Roman Empire and Roman-German emperors from 1562 to 1792.   Other Frankfurt attractions include The Eschenheimer Turm, a tower that was part of a medieval fortification that enclosed the city of Frankfurt in the 15th century. The Alte Oper or the Old Opera building is located at the heart of the city, within a busy square with beautiful fountains. Although it is not used for operas today, it is still is a great venue for concerts, congresses, and other special events.