Kaufmannskirche Editorial Image

Although the present Gothic-style building dates back to 1368, its predecessor was first mentioned in 1248, making the site on northern Anger Square one of the city`s oldest churches. Historic records, however, suggest the site may have been in ecclesiastical use as early as 1108. On October 22nd, 1522, famous reformer Martin Luther - who had also studied and was ordained priest in Erfurt - was preaching here and in 1668, the edifice saw the wedding of the parents of Baroque composer John Sebastian Bach. Following severe damages in the wake of 1944 bomb raids, comprehensive restoration lasted through much of the second half of the 20th century and was eventually finalized in 2008. Erfurt, Thuringia, Germany July 8th, 2021