“What if these walls could talk?” they would whisper tales of faith. The St. Severi Kirche in Erfurt stands as a testament to centuries of history. It stands beside St Mary’s Cathedral. Together, they create Erfurt’s famous landmark.
The history of St. Severi Kirche dates back centuries. An older St Paul’s church stood here. In 836, Archbishop Otgar of Mainz brought the bones of St Severus of Ravenna to Erfurt. They were for the Benedictine nunnery of St Paul. The church became known as St Severus’ Church.
Around 1079 to 1080, Henry IV conquered Erfurt. Churches burned. The Hohes Münster was rebuilt smaller. In 1121, the canonry at St Severus’ Church was first documented. Archbishop Adalbert of Mainz had an episcopal residence built. It was near St Severus’ Church. A fire in 1142 destroyed St Severus’ Church. It was rebuilt or repaired by 1148.
Construction of the High-Gothic St. Severi Kirche began in the 1270s. Sources say the church was nearly a ruin. Indulgences were granted to aid construction. By 1308, the eastern parts were completed. In 1327, the nave was mostly done. The entire church was reportedly finished five years later. The church probably wasn’t really complete until the mid-14th century. Many altars were donated.
The economic rise of Erfurt is reflected in the donations. Disputes arose in the 1370s and 1380s. These were between two capitularies over Blaise’s Chapel.
The five-aisled nave has two transepts. The Romanesque ground plan was kept. A second side aisle was added. The vaults appear to be the same height. This gives the building a uniform look. The church was unusual for its time. Late-Gothic hall buildings became fashionable later.
A devastating fire struck in 1472. St Severi’s was badly damaged. By 1500, the damage was repaired. The hipped roof dates from this time. The eastern end got its current shape with three steeples. The choir side towers were rebuilt with slender spires in 1495.
Inside St. Severi Kirche lies the sarcophagus of St Severus. It is a significant work of art. The relief panels depict scenes from his life. They also show the Adoration of the Magi. The panels were created around 1360 to 1370.
The church bells add to St. Severi Kirche’s character. The Osanna bell from 1474 is the largest. The Vincentia was cast by Gerhard van Wou.
From 1582 to 1584, Valentin Leucht worked here as pastor. In 1633, Swedish troops occupied St Severus’ Church. They handed it over to the Protestants. The Catholics got it back in 1635.
The church was used as a military hospital from 1813 to 1814. Napoleon tried to sell it for demolition. No buyer was found. Restoration work began in 1834. Air raids damaged St. Severi Kirche during World War II. Renovation occurred in the 1970s and early 1980s.
Today, the St. Severi Kirche stands tall. It is a symbol of Erfurt’s history and faith. Its walls hold centuries of stories. Stories of saints, fires, and restoration. The St. Severi Kirche continues to inspire all who visit.