Enter a secret ethereal medieval world hidden away in the modern city of Frankfurt

I didn’t expect much of Frankfurt; it’s a very commercialised, cosmopolitan city – rather like Hong Kong. And, judging from what I saw out of the windows on my way to the ISH fair ground recently, the similarities (row upon row of almost identical buildings) don’t end at just the impression stage.

But when I set foot in Römerberg plaza, I realised I had been pretty much mistaken. This city, this Frankfurt, is more than that. More than yet another cookie-cutter modern metropolis. Emerging from the U-Bahn station, I found myself totally immersed in a fairytale-like medieval scene.

In the past, Römerberg was the political, business and social centre of Frankfurt, where markets, fairs, tournaments, festivals, executions, imperial elections and coronations were held. This medieval town – severely damaged during World War II and restored afterward – is all built in the typical German Fachwerkhaus (half-timbered house) architecture style. The wooden framed houses, closely packed and some linked via bridges, imbue the plaza with a most unexpected rustic, homey vibe.

The Römer complex undoubtedly takes centre stage. This former city hall played an important role in the past and, even after all these years, is still in public use for various purposes, weddings included... I saw one happy couple taking their vows there. How lovely it is!

Römerberg is such a beautiful plaza and somehow seems so unreal. Without doubt, with all its Fachwerkhaus dwellings, it is as if a complete medieval microcosm has been created. But when I got to the edge of the plaza and crossed the street, it was like stepping across the threshhold of an ethereal world and getting back to the reality – the reality being the bustling, modern Frankfurt cityscape with its identical blocks, tram stations, sitting-out areas, al fresco cafés and retail stores.

Looking back at the plaza from the other side of the street, it seemed like a world that cannot be. It was kind of weird, but that’s exactly one of the reasons I like it so much.