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Frankfurt's new heart - reconstructing the old town

February 25, 2015

Seventy years on from the destruction of the Second World War, the historic centre of Frankfurt is rising again. The urban project is to feature 20 new and 15 replica buildings and is scheduled to be completed in 2017.

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Computer representation of Frankfurt's old city reconstruction
Computer representation of Frankfurt's old city reconstructionImage: picture-alliance/dpa/DomRömer GmbH

With work centered at the site between the cathedral and the Römerberg square, pits are being excavated and concrete foundations poured in preparation for the frameworks of the old town houses that are being faithfully reconstructed in specialized workshops. In a carpentry workshop in Lemgo, Lower Saxony, the extravagantly decorated framework for the "House of the Golden Scales" - once one of the most magnificent half-timbered renaissance houses in Frankfurt - is being recreated. The work on the frame takes up to 7,500 working hours, using oak some of which is 500 years old. In summer the four storey timbre frame will be delivered to Frankfurt am Main and rebuilt.

The old town is once again to be the jewel in Frankfurt's crown. Before the destruction of the war, Frankfurt boasted one of the most beautiful half-timbered old town centers in Germany, featuring historic streets lined with magnificent townhouses. Now, 15 historic building are being reconstructed according to their original plans, plus 20 modern designs - albeit faithfully restoring the city's historic character. The cost for the project is estimated at 170 million euro ($193 million).

ks/jt (dpa, FNP)