Alte Nikolaikirche, or the old Church of St. Nicholas, is located at the southern end of Römerberg square in the centre of Frankfurt. The brightly coloured red and white church was consecrated in 1290 and used as a court church to the Stauferpfalz Palace and later the town council until the late 15th century. The tower was raised to its current height, with its distinctive green spire, to allow members to watch festivities on the square. Later the church was relegated to being used as a warehouse, but it has now returned to its original purpose. Inside are many statues of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus).
