Erfurt history

Foundation and First Mentions

The official starting point in the history of Erfurt is considered to be the year 742. It was then that Saint Boniface, the "Apostle of the Germans," sent a message to Pope Zachary requesting approval for the creation of a new bishopric in a settlement named "Erphesfurt". This first documentary evidence confirms that already in the 8th century, a fortified point existed here, holding significant religious and administrative importance for the Frankish state.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small settlement into a powerful medieval centre was due to the fortunate combination of several circumstances:

• Geography and logistics: The city grew at a convenient ford across the Gera River. Europe's most important trade arteries intersected here, including the famous Via Regia (Royal Road), connecting the Rhine with eastern lands.
• Trade in "blue gold": Economic prosperity was ensured by a monopoly on the trade of woad—a plant used to produce blue dye. This highly profitable business attracted capital and merchants from all over Europe to the city.
• Political status: Being under the protectorate, and later the rule, of the Archbishops of Mainz, the city possessed significant autonomy, allowing it to develop its own institutions of self-government.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Thanks to trade wealth, Erfurt quickly became one of the largest cities in Germany. A unique cultural environment formed here as early as the early Middle Ages. The city was famous for its numerous churches and monasteries, earning it the nickname "Thuringian Rome". Secular culture and education developed in parallel, paving the way for the opening of the university in the 14th century. The Jewish community also played an important role in the economy, leaving behind one of the oldest preserved synagogues in Europe.

Timeline of Events

• 742 — Missionary Boniface first mentions Erfurt in a letter to the Pope requesting the founding of a bishopric here.
• 805 — Emperor Charlemagne grants the settlement the status of an official border trade post of the Frankish Empire.
• 1181 — Frederick I Barbarossa holds an Imperial Diet in the city, where reconciliation with Henry the Lion takes place.
• 1325 — Construction begins on the stone Krämerbrücke bridge, replacing earlier wooden crossings over the Gera River.
• 1392 — The University of Erfurt opens its doors, becoming one of the oldest in the territory of modern Germany.
• 1505 — Martin Luther, a graduate of the local university, takes monastic vows at the Augustinian Monastery.
• 1664 — The city loses its independence and comes under the direct administration of the Electorate of Mainz, leading to the construction of the Petersberg Citadel.
• 1802 — As a result of the redrawing of European borders, the city becomes part of the Kingdom of Prussia.
• 1808 — The Congress of Erfurt takes place—a historic meeting between Napoleon Bonaparte and Russian Emperor Alexander I.
• 1847 — The opening of railway communication connects the city with Berlin and Halle, kickstarting industrialization.
• 1891 — The Social Democratic Party adopts the famous "Erfurt Program", defining the political course for decades.
• 1945 — At the end of World War II, the city is occupied by American troops, and later transferred to the Soviet zone of occupation.
• 1970 — The first meeting of the heads of government of West Germany and East Germany, Willy Brandt and Willi Stoph, takes place, gathering thousands of people in the square.
• 1991 — After the reunification of the country, the city is officially confirmed as the capital of the federal state of Thuringia.

Key Stages of Erfurt's Development

The history of Erfurt is marked by several turning points that defined its economic, cultural, and architectural appearance. From a medieval trading centre to the modern capital of a federal state, here are the main milestones of its development.

• Trade Hub on the Via Regia: Since the early Middle Ages, its location at the intersection of important trade routes, especially the Royal Road (Via Regia), turned Erfurt into a thriving centre. Trade, primarily in "blue gold"—dye from woad—brought the city immense wealth, allowing for the construction of iconic structures such as Erfurt Cathedral and the Krämerbrücke bridge.
• Foundation of the University and Humanism: The establishment of the University of Erfurt in 1392 was a major cultural event. It became one of the largest and most influential universities in the Holy Roman Empire, attracting students from all over Europe, including Martin Luther. This strengthened the city's status as an intellectual hub and a cradle of humanism.
• Reformation and Loss of Autonomy: Martin Luther's stay in Erfurt made the city one of the centres of the Reformation. However, subsequent religious and political conflicts, especially the Thirty Years' War, weakened it. In 1664, Erfurt lost its independence, passing under the rule of the Electorate of Mainz, which ended its "golden age".
• Transition to Prussian Rule and Industrialization: In 1802, the city became part of Prussia. This period was marked by the demolition of old city fortifications, which gave impetus to urban expansion. In the 19th century, Erfurt turned into an important industrial centre, known for its mechanical engineering, as well as horticulture and seed production, earning the nickname "city of flowers".
• The GDR Era: After World War II, Erfurt found itself in the territory of the German Democratic Republic and became the administrative centre of the district of the same name. During this time, active residential construction took place on the outskirts, and new industrial enterprises appeared, changing the social and architectural structure of the city.
• Capital of Thuringia: The reunification of Germany in 1990 opened a new chapter in Erfurt's history. The city was chosen as the capital of the re-established federal state of Thuringia. This status attracted significant investment in the restoration of the historic centre, infrastructure development, and Erfurt's transformation into a modern administrative, cultural, and economic hub of the region.

The architectural appearance of Erfurt is a living chronicle of its centuries-old history. The city represents a harmonious blend of various styles, from the High Middle Ages to modernity, making a walk through its streets a true journey through time.

The Middle Ages and Gothic

The heart and soul of Erfurt were formed in the Gothic era, which left its most impressive masterpieces here. The dominant feature of the urban landscape is the majestic ensemble on Cathedral Hill, consisting of Erfurt Cathedral (Dom St. Marien) and the Church of St. Severus (Severikirche). These two temples, standing side by side, represent a unique example of German Gothic architecture. Other iconic structures of this period include the Augustinian Monastery (Augustinerkloster), where Martin Luther lived, and, of course, the famous Merchants' Bridge (Krämerbrücke)—the longest inhabited bridge in Europe, preserving its medieval structure.

Renaissance and Baroque

With the advent of the Renaissance, the city's appearance was enriched by the luxurious homes of wealthy citizens. On the Fish Market (Fischmarkt) and in other parts of the old town, one can see magnificent half-timbered and stone buildings with Renaissance elements, such as the "House of the Broad Hearth" (Haus zum Breiten Herd) and the "House of the Red Ox" (Haus zum Roten Ochsen). The Baroque era is most brightly represented in the building of the Electoral Mainz Governorate (Kurmainzische Statthalterei)—a lavish residence built after the city came under the rule of Mainz. Features of this style can also be traced in the architecture of the Petersberg Citadel.

Classicism, Historicism, and Art Nouveau

In the 19th century, after coming under Prussian rule, the city began to actively expand beyond the old fortress walls. This period, known as the Gründerzeit, gifted Erfurt entire quarters with elegant buildings in the styles of Classicism and Historicism. A striking example is the Main Post Office building on Anger Square. In the early 20th century, examples of Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) also appeared. In the second half of the 20th century, during the GDR era, mass construction of functional residential districts took place on the outskirts of the city.

Modern Development

After the reunification of Germany in 1990 and the proclamation of Erfurt as the capital of Thuringia, a new stage of urban development began. The main focus was on the careful restoration of the priceless historical heritage. Today's Erfurt skillfully combines restored ancient buildings with modern structures tactfully integrated into the urban environment, preserving its unique historical charm.

Notable Figures Associated with Erfurt

Throughout the centuries, Erfurt has been a home, a place of study, or an important stage in the lives of many outstanding figures of European history and culture. The city has left a mark on the biographies of theologians, composers, scientists, and politicians.

• Saint Boniface (c. 675–754) — A Christian missionary known as the "Apostle of the Germans". It was he who, in 742, appealed to the Pope with a request to found a bishopric in Erfurt, which is the first official mention of the city in historical documents.
• Meister Eckhart (c. 1260–1328) — An influential medieval theologian, philosopher, and mystic, one of the greatest thinkers of his time. He was the prior of the Dominican monastery in Erfurt, and this city was one of the main places of his activity.
• Martin Luther (1483–1546) — A key figure of the Reformation. Luther studied at the University of Erfurt from 1501 to 1505, receiving a Master of Arts degree. In Erfurt, at the Augustinian Monastery, he became a monk, and in Erfurt Cathedral, he was ordained a priest in 1507.
• The Bach Family — The great musical dynasty was closely linked with Erfurt for several generations. Many family members served as organists and town musicians, so much so that the name "Bach" became synonymous with the profession of a musician in the city. Johann Sebastian Bach's parents were married in Erfurt's Kaufmannskirche.
• Johann Pachelbel (1653–1706) — An outstanding Baroque composer, best known for his "Canon in D Major". From 1678 to 1690, he served as organist at the Predigerkirche in Erfurt, where he created many of his significant organ works and taught students, among whom was J.S. Bach's older brother.
• Max Weber (1864–1920) — One of the founders of modern sociology, a political scientist, and economist. Weber was born in Erfurt and spent his early years here. His works have had a huge influence on the development of social sciences worldwide.