Maria-Magdalenen-Kapelle

Did tragedy strike near the Maria-Magdalenen-Kapelle in 1341? The Maria-Magdalenen-Kapelle, a small, unassuming chapel nestled in Erfurt’s Altstadt, whispers tales of solace and sorrow. Originally built around 1341, the Maria-Magdalenen-Kapelle served a somber purpose. It offered a final resting place for those found dead outside the city walls. Imagine the quiet processions, the hushed prayers, as the departed were laid to rest within its gothic walls. The chapel’s history intertwines with that of Erfurt Cathedral. In 1300, the Maria-Magdalenen-Kapelle became affiliated with the grand Dom St. Marien, solidifying its place in the city’s religious landscape. Yet, its story is one of change and adaptation. The Reformation brought upheaval, and the chapel fell into disuse after 1525. The adjacent cemetery closed in 1546, leaving the Maria-Magdalenen-Kapelle in a state of quiet contemplation. It was resurrected in 1622 when the Erfurt Cathedral reclaimed it, holding services within its aged walls until 1803. The Maria-Magdalenen-Kapelle’s purpose shifted once more at the close of the 19th century. It was deconsecrated, its sacred space transformed for secular use. It became the “Theater in der Kapelle,” a space for performance and artistic expression. The stage saw laughter and tears, drama and comedy, a stark contrast to its earlier role. This chapter closed in 2011, paving the way for the Maria-Magdalenen-Kapelle’s current incarnation. Today, it serves as a columbarium, a serene place for the ashes of the departed. The artist Evelyn Körber transformed the space, creating 420 niches for urns. Her touch brought new life and purpose to this historic building. The Maria-Magdalenen-Kapelle stands as a testament to the passage of time, a quiet witness to the ebb and flow of life and death in Erfurt.