Severikirche (Church of St. Severus), Erfurt
Above, left: Severikirche (right) next to the Dom, as seen from Domplatz; right: tomb of St Severus (GFDL).
The Severikirche (also St. Severi-Kirche, Church of St. Severus) stands next to the Dom on a small hill in Erfurt.
A five-naved early Gothic hall church, Severikirche was built a collegiate church for the regular canons of St. Augustine during the 12th century. Today, along with the cathedral, it is Erfurt's most famous landmark.
St. Severus mainly dates from the late 13th and early 14th century. Its Severikirche's distinctive triple-towered east end shelters a small choir and makes a nice contrast with its neighbor. Inside, the five-aisled hall nave has an impressively lofty feeling despite its relatively small size.
The most important furnishing in Severikirche is the monument tomb of St. Severus, carved out of a soft pink sandstone around 1365 by an artist known only as "the Master of St. Severus." He also made the statue of the saint over the entrance portal.
The alabaster relief of St. Michael on the south wall and the font with a spectacular 15-meter-high canopy both date from 1467. The Gothic altars are also worth a look.
Quick Facts
| Location: | Domplatz, Erfurt, Germany |
| Contact: | 0361/ 576 960 |
| Hours: | May to October Mon to Fri 9 am – 12.30 pm 1.30 pm – 5 pm November to April Mon to Fri 10 am – 12.30 pm 1.30 pm – 4 pm Closed in January |
| Cost: | Free admission; guided tours €2 |
Sources
- Erfurt Tourism Office
- The Rough Guide to Germany 6.
- DK Eyewitness Travel Guide to Germany
