Within the Main River Valley, just east of where the Main meets the Rhine, sits the prevailing city of Frankfurt. Presently and historically considered a nerve center for commerce, banking, and transportation, Frankfurt am Main of west central Germany possesses many aspects of the old world that function as a viable part of this contemporary city.

Visitors to Frankfurt am Main, not to be confused with Frankfurt (Oder) a small city in northeastern Germany, will find its location ideal. Situated on both sides of the Main River, this hilly region is totally surrounded by rich forest; settlement in the area goes back to 1st Century Roman times.

Significantly, Charles I held a royal court in Frankfurt in the 800