Old Synagogue Erfurt Travel Guide
The Old Synagogue in Erfurt, Germany, stands as one of the oldest and most well-preserved medieval synagogues in Europe. Its rich history, distinctive architecture, and proximity to other notable attractions make it a significant site for visitors interested in Jewish heritage and medieval architecture.
Why Visit?
The Old Synagogue is a rare window into medieval Jewish life, blending architectural beauty, archaeological treasures, and sobering history. Its UNESCO status and central location make it a highlight of Erfurt, a charming city with a walkable old town and vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re a history buff or a curious traveler, it’s a compact yet impactful experience.
History
Built in stages from 1094, it’s the oldest synagogue in Central Europe preserved up to its roof. It survived the Nazi era due to its repurposing as a warehouse and other uses, and was rediscovered in the 1980s. In 2023, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the nearby Mikveh and Stone House for its testimony to medieval Jewish communities.
- Origins: The oldest parts of the building date back to around 1100, making it one of the oldest synagogues in Europe.
- Flourishing Jewish Community: It served as a central place of worship for Erfurt’s vibrant medieval Jewish community, which flourished until the mid-14th century.
- Pogroms and Abandonment: The Jewish community suffered during the pogroms of 1349, and the synagogue was later repurposed as a warehouse.
- Rediscovery: The building’s historical significance was rediscovered in the late 20th century.
- Museum and UNESCO Heritage: It’s now a museum showcasing Jewish life in medieval Erfurt and a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Jewish-Medieval Heritage of Erfurt”.
Architectural Overview
- Romanesque and Gothic Elements: The synagogue exhibits a combination of Romanesque and Gothic architectural features.
- Oldest Intact Synagogue: It’s considered the oldest synagogue building in Europe that remains intact up to the roof.
- Preserved Building Fabric: The building’s construction details and decoration program reveal the Jewish community’s adaptation to the city’s conditions.
- Exhibition Spaces: The interior houses museum exhibits including the Erfurt Treasure and Hebrew manuscripts.
Things to See
- Erfurt Treasure: A 14th-century hoard found in 1998, displayed in the cellar. It includes 3,141 silver coins, 14 silver ingots, over 700 pieces of Gothic goldsmithery, and a rare Jewish wedding ring (one of three known worldwide). The treasure, likely hidden during the 1349 Erfurt Massacre, has been exhibited globally, including in New York and Tel Aviv.
- Erfurt Hebrew Manuscripts: Facsimiles of 12th–14th-century religious texts, including the rare 12th-century Tosefta manuscript, one of only three known copies. These highlight the intellectual prominence of Erfurt’s medieval Jewish community.
- Architecture: Features Romanesque and Gothic elements, including a double-arched window (12th century), five lancet windows, and a large rosette window (c. 1270). The building’s preservation, including its intact roof, is exceptional.
- Medieval Mikveh: A well-preserved Jewish ritual bath from c. 1250, discovered in 2007 near Krämerbrücke, accessible via guided tours since 2011.
- Courtyard: Displays fragments of 13th–14th-century Jewish gravestones from a destroyed medieval cemetery, offering a poignant reminder of the 1349 pogrom.
Entrance Ticket Price
- Adults: 8.00 EUR.
- Concessions: 5.00 EUR (for students, seniors, etc.).
- Family Ticket: 17.00 EUR.
- Erfurt Card: 12.90 EUR.
- Free Entry: School classes and kindergarten groups during lessons; every first Tuesday per month.
- Guided Tours: €100.00 (60 min) or €120.00 (90 min) per group, plus admission.
Old Synagogue Erfurt Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Monday: Closed.
Note: Always verify hours and prices closer to your visit, as they may change.
How to Get There
- Location: Waagegasse 8, 99084 Erfurt, Germany.
- By Train: Erfurt Hauptbahnhof is well-connected to Berlin (2 hours), Frankfurt (2.5 hours), and Leipzig (1 hour). From the station, take tram 3, 4, or 6 to Fischmarkt.
- By Car: Erfurt is on the A4 and A71 motorways. Use Domplatz parking.
- By Air: Erfurt-Weimar Airport (ERF) is 15 minutes away, with tram access to the city center. Larger airports like Leipzig/Halle (LEJ) or Frankfurt (FRA) are 2–3 hours by train.
Old Synagogue Erfurt Tour Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are quieter. The indoor exhibits make it ideal for rainy days. Allow 1–2 hours for a full visit, including the audio guide.
- Guided Tours: Highly recommended for deeper insights into the synagogue’s history and the Jewish community. Book in advance, especially for English-language or accessibility-focused tours.
- What to Expect: The museum spans three floors: the ground floor covers the synagogue’s building history, the cellar houses the Erfurt Treasure, and the upper floor (former ballroom) displays the Hebrew manuscripts. The exhibit is compact but rich, though some visitors note limited English translations.
- Photography: Allowed for personal use, but check for restrictions on flash or tripods.
- Cultural Sensitivity: The site reflects a history of both prosperity and tragedy, including the 1349 massacre. Approach with respect, especially at the gravestone display.
Where to Stay
- Budget: B&B Hotels or hostels in Altstadt (Old Town), starting around €50/night.
- Mid-Range: Best Western or similar near Krämerbrücke, €80–120/night.
- Luxury: Romantic hotels like Hotel Am Kaisersaal, €150+/night, within walking distance.
- Recommendation: Apartments near Krämerbrücke (e.g., via Expedia) offer central locations and amenities like free Wi-Fi, ideal for exploring the old town.
Where to Eat
- Wenigemarkt: Nearby square with cafes and restaurants serving Thuringian specialties like dumplings (Thüringer Klöße).
- Krämerbrücke: Artisan shops and small eateries for quick bites.
- Gildehaus: Historic restaurant in Old Town for traditional German fare.
Nearby Attractions
- Krämerbrücke: A 12th-century bridge lined with half-timbered shops, a short walk away.
- Erfurt Cathedral and St. Severus Church: Gothic landmarks on Domplatz, offering stunning views.
- Petersberg Citadel (Zitadelle Petersberg): A well-preserved Baroque fortress with panoramic views.
