Innenstadt: Konstablerwache

Konstablerwache anchors the eastern end of the Zeil and is one of Frankfurt’s busiest public-transport and shopping spaces. S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram and bus lines meet beneath and around the broad square, bringing heavy commuter and pedestrian flows throughout the day. The name recalls the former armoury and guardhouse that once marked this edge of the old city, although the historic building no longer survives. Today department stores, restaurants, offices and the entrances to the Zeil define the built setting. The weekly farmers’ market gives the paved square a more local rhythm, with produce, food stalls and social gathering contrasting with the otherwise fast movement of shoppers. Nearby streets lead toward the old Jewish quarter, Ostend and the smaller parks of the Wallanlagen. The space is exposed and intensely urban rather than picturesque, and noise remains part of its character. Konstablerwache is distinctive because transport hub, market place and eastern gateway to the city centre overlap so completely that the square changes function several times within an ordinary week.