Sankt Lorenz

Hidden in plain sight on the bustling Anger square stands Sankt Lorenz. Did you know its story stretches back to 1138? Sankt Lorenz was founded by the Mainz viceroy, Giselbert. The church has been a cornerstone of Erfurt’s spiritual life ever since. Originally built in the Romanesque style, almost nothing remains of that first structure. Sankt Lorenz, as we see it today, is primarily Gothic. The square tower and sections of the west wall offer glimpses into this era of architecture. The church has faced its share of trials. The devastating fire of 1413 nearly destroyed Sankt Lorenz completely. During its reconstruction, the church expanded northward. This expansion transformed it into the double-aisled structure you see today. Further renovations between 1888 and 1893 added the polygonal apse. A late Gothic door on the north wall leads to the sacristy, added in 1925. Look closely at the south portal. You’ll see statues of St. Lawrence, the church’s namesake, and St. Wenceslas. Sankt Lorenz is more than just stones and mortar. It played a pivotal role in Erfurt’s history, particularly during the GDR era. Starting in 1978, it became a sanctuary for peace prayers. These prayers marked a brave act of defiance against the Socialist Unity Party. Years later, in 1989, Sankt Lorenz became the starting point for a march. This march would evolve into the Thursday demonstrations. These demonstrations played a significant role in the Peaceful Revolution and the eventual reunification of Germany. Sankt Lorenz stands as a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of peaceful resistance.