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Barfüsserkirche, Erfurt 

Ruined Church in Erfurt
Glimpse of the ruined Barfüsserkirche from northwest.

Barfusserkirche Erfurt
View of the Barfüsserkirche from southwest.

Nave
View of ruined nave and west front from southeast.

Clerestory
Closer look at the clerestory in the north wall.

Nave
North arcade of the nave.

Choir
West side of the choir and tower.

Choir
South exterior of the restored choir.

Entrance
Entrance door, on the south side of the choir.

Relief
Weathered relief over the entrance.



The Barfüsserkirche in Erfurt is an attractive ruin and silent witness to the destruction of war. Built mainly in the 14th century, the large Franciscan church was nearly destroyed by WWII bombs. The nave remains in ruins but the restored choir has its 13th-century stained glass windows of St. Francis and a small museum of medieval artifacts.

History

Construction on the Barfusserkirche began in 1291 and the choir was consecrated in 1316. The nave was finally completed in 1430.

Between 1641 and 1648, the monastic buildings were destroyed. The Franciscan monastery had been destroyed at the Reformation.

On November 26, 1944, the monastic church was hit by a bomb. Unlike most other German churches, it was never rebuilt. Since 1977, it has housed a museum.

What to See

The Gothic nave (completed 1430) stands open to the sky, its vault missing and south wall completely destroyed. The north wall and aisle are intact to their full height, however, providing an unusually clear view of the construction of a Gothic nave. It is an impressive and unexpected sight from the quiet street it occupies.

The beautiful Gothic choir (completed 1316) has been restored. It now contains a small museum of religious art, including the church's original 13th-century stained glass windows of St. Francis.

Quick Facts

Site Information
Names: Barfüsserkirche
Location:Erfurt, Thuringia, Germany
Categories: Churches; Museums
Faith:Christianity
Denomination:Catholic
Order:Franciscan
Status:ruins
Date:1291-1430
Architecture: Gothic
Features:Medieval Stained Glass
Visitor Information
Coordinates: 50.975548° N, 11.030231° E   (view on Google Maps)
Address:Barfüsserstrasse 20, Erfurt, Germany
Phone:554 560
Hours:Apr-Oct daily 10am-1pm, 2-6pm
Cost:€1

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Travel Resources

Location Map

Below is a location map and aerial view of Barfüsserkirche. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Erfurt Map.

Article Sources

Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:

  1. Personal visit (exterior only; March 12, 2008).
  2. Historical marker on the church.
  3. Lonely Planet Germany, 5th ed. (March 2007), 254.


Article last updated: 10/16/2009.




 

 


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