We went on a walking tour of the historic Jewish sites the other day, but because it was late, every site was closed, so we only saw the outside. Delaney and I returned to the Alte Synagogue (old synagogue) today which has been turned into a museum. We each got an audio guide and went through the entire thing at our own pace. We were the only ones there and it was really nice. This is the outside of the building. Parts of this wall date to the 1100s when there was a large Jewish community in the city. It has since been used for a warehouse, a restaurant, a dance hall, and a private residence. The city bought it from a private owner in the 1990s and began a careful restoration of parts of the building to its more original look. Needless to say, this could only go so far. Because of the age of the building, Erfurt is using it as part of their application to become a world heritage site. The pogrom that occurred in the city in the 1300's decimated the population and it never fully rebounded.
The most remarkable surprise on this site was that when construction was underway in lot next door (near where the bikes are in this picture), they unearthed a 'treasure'. Over 3,000 silver coins dating to the 1300s, 4 silver ingots, and a vessel full of ornate jewelry. Delaney and I spent a lot of time looking and the jewelry and listening to how it was made. Unfortunately, no photos were allowed. I've included a photo from the info book we bought of the beautiful wedding ring. It was an ornate hexagonal building. On the bottom of the ring, there were two joined hands, which transitioned to dragons on the side, and became the walls of the building on the top. The hebrew letters for mazel tov (good luck) were on the top of the roof.
Mariansdom (St. Mary's Cathedral) and Servikirche (St Severus church- Hogwarts anyone?) on the Dom Platz
Both of these are Catholic churches. Martin Luther was ordained in the one on the left. The tower contains the largest medieval bell in the world which is known for its clear tone. Gothic style - built in 1300s.
St. Sevri is the older building, by about 100 years. Also Gothic style
St. Mary's. We did not stay inside long. It was about 30 and we could see our breath. (it was warmer outside!)
The Choir at St Marys
St Mary's
St Sevri
St. Sevri
This church only had one side chapel. Very unusual in the various catholic churches I have visited in Europe.
St. Sevri had a much older organ (date says 1714). The one at St. Mary's looked very new.
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