Saalgasse, Frankfurt

In 1944, World War II air raids totally destroyed Frankfurt’s old town quarter. In the area of what is now Saalgasse (Saal Lane), the timber-framed houses dating from the late Middle Ages fell victim to either bombs or flames. Narrow townhouses in postmodern style now stand squeezed together along Saal Lane, which leads from the History Museum to the Weckmarkt road. In the 1980s, many well-known architects gave their imagination free reign, with the result that no two houses are alike. The buildings create a kaleidoscope of colour in pastel shades, reminiscent of a contemporary Mediterranean town and in total contrast to the stark style of the Schirn Kunsthalle (Art Gallery) which rises behind them. All that remains as a reminder of dimensions of the pre-war buildings is the traditional Zum Storch restaurant, which was rebuilt in the 1950s.