Barfüsserkirche, Erfurt 
Glimpse of the ruined Barfüsserkirche from northwest.
View of the Barfüsserkirche from southwest.
View of ruined nave and west front from southeast.
Closer look at the clerestory in the north wall.
North arcade of the nave.
West side of the choir and tower.
South exterior of the restored choir.
Entrance door, on the south side of the choir.
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 |
Travel Resources
- Erfurt Map - our detailed interactive map of Erfurt, plus hand-picked links to more
- Erfurt Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Erfurt Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Erfurt Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
- Erfurt Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- Erfurt Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Erfurt tourism
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:
- Personal visit (exterior only; March 12, 2008).
- Historical marker on the church.
- Lonely Planet Germany, 5th ed. (March 2007), 254.
Article last updated: 10/16/2009.
