- Cathedral
Founded in 742 at the crossroads of old medieval trade routes, Erfurt grew into a powerful trade and university city. Its cultural life attracted numerous famous names, such as Martin Luther, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich von Schiller, Napoleon Bonaparte and the family of Johann Sebastian Bach. The city’s former wealth is still reflected today by the many carefully restored Renaissance and half-timbered houses. Together with numerous churches, monasteries and the Petersberg Fortress, they form one of the largest and best-preserved medieval city centres in Germany, now placed under protection order.
- Merchants´ Bridge
One of its outstanding features is the imposing church complex, consisting of St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Severus church with the more than 500-year old large bell named „Gloriosa“ (largest free-swinging
medieval bell in Germany). Another remarkable construction is the Krämer (Grocers’) bridge comprised of half-timbered houses, the longest bridge in Europe on which houses stand. Erfurt University was founded in 1392 and
closed in the 19th century. So, with its reopening in 1994, it is both the third oldest (after Heidelberg and Cologne) and the youngest state university in Germany. It has a chair of East Asian History which maintains lively contacts with Japan, especially Waseda University in Tokyo. Traditionally, Erfurt University offers courses granting internationally recognised degrees (B.A./M.A.) in arts and cultural science subjects. As a modern state capital with a historic flair, Erfurt is now one of the most attractive trade fair and conference venues, with a new trade fair and congress centre and other interesting conference facilities.
