Erfurt Cathedral
Thüringen
Erfurt Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church of St Mary at Erfurt, is the largest and oldest church in the Thuringian city of Erfurt, Germany. This majestic Gothic structure, mainly built during the 14th and 15th centuries, stands prominently on a hillside overlooking the city's main square, Domplatz, adjacent to St Severus' Church. The cathedral is renowned for its striking architectural features, including exquisite stained glass windows and rich interior furnishings. Among its treasures is the Maria Gloriosa bell, cast in 1497 by Geert van Wou, which remains the largest surviving medieval free-swinging bell globally, celebrated for its pure tone. The cathedral also houses important relics and sculptures, such as the tomb of Count von Gleichen with his two wives, a stucco altar dating back to around 1160, and the ancient bronze Wolfram candelabra, one of Germany's oldest free-standing cast works. Historically significant, the site has hosted Christian buildings since 742 when Saint Boniface established a church there. Notably, Martin Luther was ordained in this cathedral in 1507. Today, Erfurt Cathedral serves as the episcopal seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erfurt and remains a vital place of worship and cultural heritage.
Plan your trip to Germany with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during weekdays or outside major church holidays to enjoy a quieter experience. The cathedral often hosts special services and concerts, especially featuring the Maria Gloriosa bell, so checking the schedule in advance is recommended. Tickets can sometimes be purchased online or at the entrance, with discounts available for students and groups. Comfortable footwear is suggested due to the cathedral's size and the hillside location. Combining a visit with the neighboring St Severus' Church offers a fuller appreciation of Erfurt's architectural ensemble.
Interesting facts
- •The Maria Gloriosa bell, cast in 1497, is the largest surviving medieval free-swinging bell in the world.
- •Martin Luther was ordained in Erfurt Cathedral on April 3, 1507.
- •The cathedral's bronze Wolfram candelabra is one of the oldest free-standing cast works in Germany, dating back to around 1160.
- •In 1184, the Erfurt latrine disaster occurred here when a floor collapsed, causing about 60 nobles to drown in the cesspit below.
- •The cathedral and the adjacent St Severus' Church together form Erfurt's iconic architectural landmark.
History
The site of Erfurt Cathedral has been a center of Christian worship since 742 when Saint Boniface founded a church there.
In the mid-12th century, a Romanesque basilica was constructed on the foundations of earlier buildings.
The current Gothic cathedral was mainly built during the 14th and 15th centuries, with the central spire housing the famous Maria Gloriosa bell cast in 1497.
The cathedral witnessed significant historical events, including the tragic latrine disaster in 1184 and Martin Luther's ordination in 1507.
After serving as a collegiate church through the Middle Ages, it became the cathedral of the re-established Diocese of Erfurt in 1994.
Place Guide
Maria Gloriosa Bell1497
The central spire of the cathedral houses the Maria Gloriosa, the largest surviving medieval free-swinging bell, cast in 1497 by Geert van Wou. It is renowned for its pure and unique tone and is rung mainly on major church holidays.
Wolfram Candelabrac. 1160
A rare bronze candelabra dating from around 1160, one of the oldest free-standing cast works in Germany, possibly created in the Magdeburg foundry. It is named after its donor Wolfram and is a significant artifact within the cathedral.
Stucco Altarc. 1160
An altar made of stucco dating back to approximately 1160, representing one of the oldest furnishings in the cathedral and reflecting early medieval ecclesiastical art.
Tomb of Count von Gleichen
The tomb of the supposedly bigamous Count von Gleichen, depicted alongside both of his wives, is a notable sculpture within the cathedral, illustrating a unique and intriguing historical narrative.
North Tower Romanesque Chapel1237
Located on the first floor of the north tower, this chapel was completed in 1237 and is likely the oldest chapel in Erfurt. It possibly housed relics of the martyrs Eoban and Adalar around 1160, making it a significant site of early veneration.
Contact
Phone: 0361 6461265
