Erfurt
Architecural Treasures
Erfurt became a pilgrimage destination of sorts with the reunification of Germany. Thousands of travelers poured into this former East German city to see where Martin Luther studied, to bow heads where he prayed, to walk the same medieval streets, and even to sleep where he slept. But there is far more to this city than Luther, particularly when it comes to masterpieces of medieval architecture, and the compact Old Town makes for easy exploration of the many neighboring historic sights.Erfurt’s landmark is the unique ensemble of both the Dom St. Marien (St Mary's Cathedral) and the Severikirche (St Severus Church) that majestically dominate the cityscape. These architectural masterpieces of German Gothic style are imposing examples of the art of church architecture. Erfurt became one of the richest cities of the Middle Ages thanks to the woad plant, which provided the primary source of blue dye for textiles.
In more recent times, this beautiful city has bloomed into the reputation of Europe’s "Flower City", and a visit in springtime is a delight for the senses. A city of parks and gardens, it boasts Germany’s largest flower bed (6,000 square meters) in the ega-Park. The egapark impresses visitors with its fascinating plant life and the architectural design of gardens.
The "Predigerkirche" (Prediger or Preacher's Church) was built in several stages between 1270 and 1400. Along with the sections of the Prediger monastery that have been preserved, this is one of the foremost examples of mendicant order architecture in the German-language area. Master Eckhart was once prior of the order here. The church has some interesting interior furnishings: choir stalls (13th century) and stained glass windows made with fragments retrieved from the war-damaged church windows (20th century). Regular organ recitals on Wednesdays during the summer.
The "Alte Synagoge" (Old Synagogue) is one of very few preserved medieval synagogues in Europe. Thanks to the extensive preservation of the original structure, it has a special place in the history of art and architecture and is among the most impressive and highly rated architectural monuments in Erfurt and Thuringia. The synagogue was constructed during the Middle Ages on the "via regia", one of the major European trade routes, at the heart of the historical old quarter very close to the "Krämerbrücke" (Merchants' Bridge). Many parts of the structure still remain today. After extensive restoration, the building was reopened in 2009. On display in the exhibition rooms is a collection of medieval treasures discovered during archaeological excavations. This includes 3,140 silver coins, 14 silver ingots, approx. 6,000 works of goldsmithery from the 13th and 14th centuries and an intricately worked wedding ring of the period, of which only two others are known to exist anywhere in the world. A mikveh (Jewish bath) has been excavated close by (13th/14th century). The "Alte Synagoge" (Old Synagogue), the "Kleine Synagoge" (Small Synagogue) and two Jewish cemeteries together form a network of historical buildings and sites which vividly portray the role of Jewish life in the history of Erfurt and are the bases for the application for UNESCO´s World Heritage.
The "Krämerbrücke" (Merchants' Bridge) is Erfurt's most interesting piece of secular architecture and 120 meters long. 
Martin Luther lived here as a monk from 1505 to 1511. The monastery complex houses an important library with rare books and a permanent exhibition about the life of Luther. Today the "Augustinerkloster" (Augustinian Monastery) is a renowned reformation center and is used as a parish church, an ecumenical conference center and a pilgrims' hostel.
Until the 17th century the blue “Färberwaid” plant was the most important textile colorant. Nowadays travelers can still buy handmade blue-printing products here. 