Erfurt Cathedral

A catastrophic collapse. That’s one way Erfurt Cathedral’s story could have ended in 1184. King Henry VI, the future Holy Roman Emperor, had gathered nobles inside the cathedral’s predecessor, a Romanesque basilica. He was mediating a feud. Suddenly, the floor gave way. Dozens of nobles plunged into the cesspit below. This event, the Erfurt Latrine Disaster, tragically killed many, though Henry VI survived. Erfurt Cathedral itself rose from a history marked by such dramatic events. Saint Boniface first established a church on this very site in 742. The Romanesque basilica that followed met its unfortunate end in the latrine disaster. Then, in the early 14th century, construction began on the grand Gothic structure we see today, Erfurt Cathedral, also known as St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Cathedral Church of St Mary at Erfurt. The cathedral’s architecture blends various Gothic styles. Its three towers dominate Erfurt’s skyline. The central tower houses a remarkable treasure. The Maria Gloriosa bell, cast in 1497, is the world’s largest surviving medieval free-swinging bell. Its pure tone resonates through the city. Inside Erfurt Cathedral, vibrant 14th and 15th-century stained-glass windows illuminate the space. Other treasures include the Wolfram, a unique bronze candelabra from 1160, and a stucco altar from around the same period. Look closely, and you’ll find the tomb of the Count von Gleichen, supposedly bigamous, resting with both his wives. In 1507, Erfurt Cathedral witnessed another key historical moment. Martin Luther, the reformer who would reshape Christianity, was ordained within these very walls. From latrine disaster to architectural marvel, Erfurt Cathedral stands as a testament to resilience and a beacon of faith. Its history, woven with tragedy and triumph, continues to inspire awe and wonder.