Erfurt Cathedral

Erfurt Cathedral

Situated amidst the hills in Germany, the Erfurt Cathedral or Erfurt's Dom is a beautiful piece of architecture that was built in the 12th century. While most of the cathedral is built in the popular Gothic style, parts of the church also have Romanesque influence. Infact, the basilica and the lower parts of the long towers are portions of the Romanesque church that existed on the same site back in 742.

The Erfurt Cathedral, Germany, known by different names like the Erfurt's Dom, Mariensdom, Domberg St Marien and St. Mary's Cathedral stands on the same site where once the church of Bishop Boniface stood. In the year 1154, the smaller church was replaced by the present cathedral. Over the years different Gothic and Romanesque structures like the choir, the basilica and the towers were added to the main structure to create this beautiful cathedral.

Perhaps the most significant part of the Erfurt Cathedral in Germany is that it has some magnificent stained glass windows from the medieval era and the world's largest bell 'Maria Gloriosa' hanged in the central tower of the Erfurt's Dom.

Amongst the cathedral's other treasured possessions are the exquisitely carved choir stalls from the 14th century, the opulent Baroque high alter, the stucco figure of The Enthroned Madonna with Saints, an eye-catching figure of Wolfram and the tomb of count Gleichen and his two wives. Also the tall towers, the Gothic presbytery, the massive fortress-like substructures of 13th century (the Kavaten), the wonderfully done up triangular porch are some of the things that add to the beauty of the cathedral.

Location of Erfurt Cathedral: Domplatz, Erfurt, Germany

Contact: 0361/646 1265

Cost: Admission free; guided tours to cathedral and Gloriosa €2.50 each

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