Erfurt Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of St Mary, stands on a hill above Domplatz, side by side with the Church of St Severus, and the pair is the best-known view in Thuringia's capital. You reach it up a broad flight of 70 steps. In its central tower hangs the Gloriosa, cast in 1497 and today the largest free-swinging medieval bell in the world.
Erfurt Cathedral at a glance
- Where: on the Domberg hill at the western end of Domplatz, next to St Severus.
- Built: a Romanesque basilica begun in 1154, a Gothic choir in the 14th century and a late Gothic nave from 1455.
- What it is today: the Catholic cathedral of the Diocese of Erfurt, a cathedral again since 1994.
- Time needed: about 45 minutes to an hour inside, plus time to enjoy the steps and the square.
From Boniface's mission to a cathedral again
Christian history on this hill goes back to Saint Boniface, who in 742 asked the pope to confirm a bishopric at Erfurt. It was soon merged into the Archdiocese of Mainz, and for most of its history St Mary's served not as a cathedral but as a collegiate church run by canons. The church is first recorded in 1117, and a new Romanesque basilica was begun in 1154; its tower bases survive. In 1184, during a royal assembly called by Henry VI, a floor in the neighbouring provost's house gave way, and about 60 people fell into the latrine pit below and died. On 3 April 1507 the young Martin Luther was ordained a priest in this church.
In the 14th century the canons wanted a far grander choir, but the hilltop was too small. Builders extended it with massive vaulted substructures, the Kavaten, and set the tall Gothic choir on top of them, which is why the east end seems to float above the square. From 1455 the old Romanesque nave was replaced by a late Gothic hall church. When the Diocese of Erfurt was created in 1994, St Mary's became a cathedral once more.
What to look for
- The 70 steps from Domplatz: climb slowly and watch the choir and the three spires of St Severus rise above you.
- The triangular portal on the north side, built to fit the cramped hilltop, with statues of the Wise and Foolish Virgins.
- The medieval stained glass windows of the choir, made between about 1380 and 1420; five newer windows were added in the early 1960s.
- The Wolfram, a bronze candle-bearer from around 1160 and one of the oldest freestanding bronze figures in Germany, and the stucco Madonna from the same period.
- The tombstone of a Count of Gleichen, shown together with two wives.
- The central tower that holds the Gloriosa. It is rung only on major church feasts, so if you hear it, you are lucky.
The count with two wives
Legend says the Count of Gleichen was captured on crusade and set free by a Saracen woman, whom he married and brought home while his first wife was still alive, with the pope's blessing. The three are said to have lived together peacefully. It is a legend, and historians doubt it, but the tombstone in the cathedral that shows a count between two women has kept the story alive for centuries.
Tips for your visit
- Come in the late afternoon, when the low sun lights the cathedral and St Severus from the square.
- For the full view of both churches, walk to the far eastern end of Domplatz before you climb the steps.
- In summer the steps often serve as an open-air stage, so parts of them may be closed off for performances.
- The cathedral is a working church: keep quiet during services and dress respectfully.
Nearby
- St Severus Church: the Gothic church right beside the cathedral, with its three pointed spires.
- Petersberg Citadel: a large Baroque fortress on the hill behind the cathedral, with wide views over the old town.
- Krämerbrücke: the bridge lined with inhabited houses and small shops, a pleasant walk east through the old town.
- Fischmarkt: the square with the neo-Gothic Town Hall and colourful merchants' houses, on the way to the Krämerbrücke.
See Erfurt with World City Trail
Our Erfurt scavenger hunt turns the old town into a game you play on your phone. The route links 10 stops and takes around 2 hours, with about 28 minutes of walking. It includes the Angermuseum. You can play in English, German, French, Italian or Dutch.
If you prefer a different format, there is also a self-guided walking tour and an outdoor escape game in Erfurt.
Play the Erfurt scavenger hunt →
Take the self-guided walking tour of Erfurt →
Play the outdoor escape game in Erfurt →
Facts checked in October 2026.