St. Leonhard

St. Leonhard is a Roman Catholic church in the centre of Frankfurt, standing close to the river Main. It began as a Romanesque basilica in 1219 with twin steeples and a decorated north portal. In the 15th century it was remodelled in late Gothic style, adding a choir and balconies. Between 1508 and 1520 the nave was widened into a four-aisled hall church. A south chapel was added around 1515 by H. Baltz. The church survived the Second World War almost undamaged when nine Old Town churches were destroyed. It now serves English-speaking Catholics as part of the Domgemeinde. During restoration work, archaeologists uncovered a medieval stone statue called Atzmann, once used for liturgical music. Five Gothic window panes were taken to Heidelberg in the 18th century and are due to return. Inside, the late Gothic choir and balconies remain prominent. The Atzmann statue stands on the floor as a reminder of earlier liturgical practice. Five returned stained-glass panels will once again show the patron saint. The building is recognised as a monument of Frankfurt’s history, church history and medieval craftsmanship.