Sightseeing in Erfurt - what to see. Complete travel guide

Many people compare Erfurt with beautiful and unique Prague. Probably, this comes from the same fabulous unpredictability that this city is famous for. It is hard to imagine what you will see as you make a step. Narrow medieval streets of the city with buildings that almost connect above your head, large number of churches, quaint and very harmonious interweaving of eras – you will find here all these and even more. The time itself flows here thoughtfully and calmly as the Gera River that crosses the city.

Visiting Erfurt for just few hours is simply the equivalent to refusal to visit this place. You should make a slow and a calm walk in order to understand this city better. An attempt to see more simply by running through its streets is meaningless. Every house, every wall, the decoration of each door or window will require your attention. Here everything is unique.

Among the attractions of the city we should definitely mention a museum with an oak tree growing in his heart. In order to inspect the exhibition you will need to walk on the spiral staircase that is built around the tree. The steps of the Cathedral Mountain are often used as a stage, and the city itself is an amazing backdrop for performances. The Bridge of Shopkeepers is also unique and famous for its half-timbered houses. This bridge built in the XIV century is longer than all other famous bridges - the streets of Europe. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The oldest religious construction in the city is the Church of St. Mary located in the heart of the historical center. This luxurious Gothic temple was recognized as one of the most beautiful churches in the country. It was founded in the 8th century upon the order of Charles the Great. One of the main symbols of the temple is a huge old bell installed on its tower. It is the biggest medieval bell in the world.

Another impressive Gothic monument is the Church of St. Sever. It was built in the 12th century and is located near the cathedral church. Both religious monuments are often considered as a single complex. The church served as a monastery. After hundreds of years, its strict building with a tiled roof has remained almost unchangeable.

The special historical city is the old citadel of Petersberg. It was built in the baroque style and has been perfectly preserved throughout the centuries. Among the monuments of European defense architecture preserved in Europe, the citadel holds one of the leading positions. At one time, the Benedictine monastery was located here. Today, you can take an excursion around the entire territory of the citadel.

In Erfurt, there is the oldest synagogue in Europe that was founded at the beginning of the 12th century. The historical building of the synagogue is one of the few in the city that has been preserved almost in its original form. Nowadays, the building serves as a museum dedicated to Jewish culture. Absolutely everyone can visit it.

On one of the main city squares, there is the City Hall built in the 19th century. The building was constructed in the neo-Gothic style but its interior is a combination of different styles. On particular days, you can take an excursion around the building and admire its old frescoes and antique decorating elements.

Near the Cathedral Square, there is the Museum of Natural History opened in 1922. The museum collection has been replenished for almost a hundred years. It includes over 350 000 insect specimens. The museum has left most of its unique values in the period of the Second World War. It has been occupying the present building since 1955.