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Cathedral · Erfurt, Turíngia
Erfurter Dom
The Gothic cathedral of Santa Maria sits atop the steps of the Domplatz. It houses the Gloriosa, dating from 1497, the largest medieval bell still in use in the world, choir stained glass and the place where Luther was ordained as a priest.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Erfurter Dom
The Erfurter Dom, the Cathedral of Saint Mary, rises on the Domberg, the hill that overlooks the Domplatz. There has been a church on the site since the 8th century, when Saint Boniface founded a religious seat there. The present building combines Romanesque and Gothic elements; the hill was enlarged in the early 14th century to make room for the large Gothic choir.
In the central tower is the Gloriosa, a bell cast in 1497 by Gerhard van Wou. It is the largest medieval bell that still swings freely in the world and is known for the purity of its sound. It rings mainly on major religious festivals. Inside the church, the choir has tall medieval stained-glass windows, and the cathedral houses a work by Lucas Cranach the Elder showing the mystical marriage of Saint Catherine.
It was in this cathedral that Martin Luther was ordained a priest in April 1507, when he was still a monk of the Augustinian convent of Erfurt. Today the cathedral is the seat of the Catholic bishop of Erfurt. The church conservation association offers guided tours, including to the towers and the bells, on scheduled dates.
The 70-step staircase that leads from the square to the cathedral and the neighboring Severikirche is one of the most photographed scenes in Germany. In summer it often serves as a stage for outdoor performances by the city theatre.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour on your own. Guided tours to the towers and the bells take longer; check dates and duration.
Best time
In the morning, just after opening, the church is quieter and light streams through the choir's stained glass. Avoid Mass times if you want to walk through the nave. In summer, the stairway may be occupied by the staging for outdoor performances.
How to get there
It sits at the top of the Domplatz, in the old town. From Erfurt Hauptbahnhof it's about a 20-minute walk or a few minutes by tram to the Domplatz stop. From the square, climb the 70 steps of the staircase.
Tip
Visit the cathedral and the Severikirche together: the two stand side by side at the top of the same staircase. Discreet clothing is appreciated, as the church is in active use. To hear the Gloriosa, check the dates of major religious festivals.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Erfurter Dom
Does the Gloriosa ring every day?
No. It rings mainly on major religious festivals. On other days the cathedral’s other bells are rung.
Do you have to pay to enter the cathedral?
The nave is open to visitors during opening hours. Guided tours, such as those that go up the towers, have their own rules; check before you go.
Can you go up the tower?
There are guided tours of the towers and the bells on specified dates. Check the cathedral’s schedule in advance.
Is the staircase accessible for wheelchairs?
The staircase has 70 steps. Ask at the cathedral about alternative access for people with reduced mobility before you go.