Erfurt

Erfurt has many historical areas that have not lost their medieval feel. There are buildings from many eras, but the 12th century St Marien cathedral and the 13th century St Severikirche on the hill above the old town set the atmosphere for this large but not well known city.

There are more than a dozen other churches or church towers surviving from the early period. To this we can add one of Europe's oldest synagogues and a number of monasteries of early date. These maintain or blend Gothic and Romanesque features.

The 14th century Krämerbrücke bridge has half-timbered buildings on it, much like the historical London Bridge. There is also the main building from one of Europe's oldest universities. On another hill, the mighty Baroque fortress Zitadelle Petersberg offers an opportunity to walk the parapets for a superb city view or explore secret underground passages.