St. Boniface, the Anglo-Saxon missionary who brought Roman Catholicism to the eastern Carolingian Empire, first founded Erfurt Cathedral in 742. Look for Romanesque elements still evident from when the church was first built even though the church has been rebuilt over the years.
Climb the palatial staircase leading from the Domplatz, one of Europe’s largest market squares, up to the cathedral. Pause for a moment before entering the church to appreciate the statues adorning the portico. The 10 “Wise and Foolish Virgins” are figures from one of Jesus’ parables.
Walk slowly down the central aisle to appreciate the magnificent Renaissance stained-glass windows lining the walls of the church. Examine the unique stucco altar. Here, Martin Luther was ordained as a priest on April 3, 1507. Luther’s relationship with the cathedral and other buildings throughout the city make this church an important stop on Eastern Germany’s Luther Trail.
Make sure to see the vaulted arches of the Gothic presbytery. Look for the tomb of infamous Thuringian bigamist Count von Gleichen, who is buried with his two wives. View the three towers and five naves of the neighboring St. Severus parish church.
Sign up for a guided tour and climb the steep staircase up Erfurt Cathedral’s central tower to see the Maria Gloriosa, the world’s largest medieval bell, cast in 1497. Today it is rung only for the most special occasions. Check the church website to see if a Saturday organ concert is scheduled during your visit. Masses are held every day at different hours.
Erfurt Cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from mid-morning to early evening. On Sundays, the church is open to visitors only in the afternoon. Visiting hours are shorter during the winter. Entrance is free. Sign up for a German-language guided tour, including a visit to the Gloriosa, for a small fee.
The cathedral is located directly on the Domplatz, which is accessible via numerous train lines. There is a wheelchair-accessible entrance into the cathedral. During the winter, return to the Domplatz to appreciate the bustle and lights of the annual Christmas market.
