Schmira

A hidden gem nestled near Erfurt, Schmira quietly whispers tales of centuries past. Schmira first appears in records in 1243, a name echoing through time in various forms like Smire or Smyre. In 1950, Schmira became part of Erfurt, yet it retains a unique village charm. Before joining Erfurt, Schmira had a fluctuating population: 225 in 1792, rising to 308 in 1841, then significantly increasing to 641 in 1894 and 907 in 1928. By 1949, the population reached 1059, only to decrease to 760 by 2005. The village’s history is interwoven with powerful families. Until 1665, Schmira was under Thuringian-Saxon rule, then it shifted to the Electorate of Mainz. The Counts of Schwarzburg held most of Schmira, while the Counts of Beichlingen possessed a smaller portion. In 1265, the Schwarzburgs granted their Schmira holdings as a fief to the Kerlinger brothers and other Erfurt citizens. Religious life also played a significant role in Schmira. A church dedicated to St. Nicholas is mentioned as early as 1315. In 1315, the Counts of Schwarzburg donated two hides of land from the manor to the Schmira church. Later, in 1453, they granted jurisdiction over Schmira to the Huttener brothers in Erfurt. This jurisdictional control changed hands again in 1463 and 1464 when the Counts sold their rights to Konrad Kerlinger. The Huttener brothers regained full control by 1477, subsequently selling it to the Erfurt council in 1486 for 1612 guilders. Intriguingly, three hides of farmland belonging to the Counts of Beichlingen were given as a fief to the Ilmene brothers, citizens of Erfurt, in 1320. The fate of this Beichlingen possession remains a mystery. A 1516 directory indicates Schmira belonged entirely to Erfurt. Two freehold estates within Schmira, owned by St. Cyriakus Monastery and St. Martin’s Monastery in Erfurt, were transferred to the Prussian church and school fund after secularization. Today, Schmira enjoys modern conveniences while preserving its historical roots. The B7 federal highway connects Schmira to the A71 autobahn via the Bindersleben exit, approximately 1.2 km west. A pedestrian and bicycle path provides access to the city. Schmira’s proximity to Erfurt’s attractions enhances its appeal. The Erfurt Exhibition Centre, Ega Park, and the Central German Broadcasting station, home to the children’s channel KI.KA, are all within a short distance. Schmira, a place where history and modernity intertwine, invites you to explore its hidden depths and discover its captivating narrative.