NAUMBOURG CATHEDRAL

It's well worth a visit. Naumburg boasts one of Germany's (some would say Europe's) finest cathedrals, combining late Romanesque and Gothic styles. Its construction dates back to 1213, but it underwent modifications well into the ^19th century.

In addition to its two choirs, 4 towers and fine Romanesque crypts, much of the church's fame is due to the astonishing sculptures of the twelve founders in the west choir, the anonymous work of a Naumburg master. These unsettling statues, notably the unbelievably real-looking couple Ekkehard and Uta, were sung about by the German Romantic movement, as well as two beautiful altarpieces and a superb frieze depicting the Passion of Christ. Not to be missed during your visit are the chapels of the Three Wise Men and St. Elisabeth. Since the Reformation, it has been the city's main Protestant church, losing its function as a cathedral. History also records that it was built on top of an earlier cathedral dating back to the ^11th century. The majestic, massive edifice that stands before us is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as of 2018. The main reasons for this are the unique conceptualization of the west choir by the "Naumburg Master", a superb synthesis of different arts, and the priceless value of the twelve polychrome figures of the founders. One of them, a woman, Ute de Ballenstedt, is considered one of the icons of Gothic art.