Erfurt Excursions

Following our brisk tour of the Schloss Coburg, we made our way to Erfurt--one of the first cities we visited that was once part of East Germany. As we later found out on the tour, it survived the Second World War without very much bomb damage. Although there was definitely more graffiti and a slightly rougher vibe to the city compared to others, it quickly won me over due to its eclectic architectural styles, history, and (of course!) pipe organs.

Our official tour of the city began on the morning of July 16th. We gathered around the Luther statue in front of the Merchant Church...where we would later return for an evening service.

Our first stop was the monastery where Luther became a monk. Supposedly, the scholar stood before the entrance to the monastery and told his friends, "After this, you will see me no more." Little did he know how much he would influence history and the church as we know it today!

We learned some interesting tidbits regarding Erfurt's history while on the walking tour.

• It was founded by St. Boniface in the 11th century. 
• Its most profitable trade was woad, a blue dye which was later replaced by Indian indigo (after the Eastern trade routes expanded).
• It is known as the "Rome of Germany" because there are so many churches there. 
• The original city walls still exist on one side. 
• The city as a whole now features just about any flavor of architectural style: Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Rococo, Art Deco, you name it!

It was a lovely day to meander the streets. We walked over the Kramerbrucke, a bridge which dates back to the Middle Ages.

The walking tour at the steps of two cathedrals overlooking the market square. On the right, you have the St. Severus Church (Romanesque style), and on the left, you have Erfurt Cathedral (Gothic). After a group photo, we ventured up the steps and into the cathedral.

Words can't express the beauty of this place.

David and I then trekked up to the Erfurt wall to behold a breathtaking view of the city. I counted at least 21 church spires, though I know I probably missed several!

 St. Severus & Erfurt Cathedral (view from the Erfurt wall)

After climbing back down, my memorable 21st birthday adventure began! We had a lovely luncheon treat at a local cafe. We shared a cheesecake slice with dark chocolate crumbles (and I had coffee).

At 6:00, we went back to the Merchant's Church for a prayer and organ service. Unfortunately, the old organ no longer plays, so the organist played an electronic organ. Following the service, I got to play the organ! Granted, it wasn't a big, historic pipe organ, but it was still a great honor to get to play in a location of such significance. Not only did Martin Luther preach here, but J.S. Bach's parents were also married at this church. The following link features what I played: chorale prelude "Komm Heileger Geist, Herre Gott" by Dietrich Buxtehude.

As always, if you are interested, do visit our map to see more photos from this beautiful city!