Erfurt

Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, is in the "green heart" of Germany. Founded by St. Boniface in 742, Erfurt flourished during the Middle Ages and developed into an influential commercial and university town. ' Bridge (Kramerbriicke).

Erfurt is Thuringia's largest city. It has one of the best-preserved medieval town centres in Germany . Other major sights are Cathedral Hill and Petersberg Citadel, an impressive baroque town fortress. Concerts are held at Molsdorf Palace. The town hall on Fischmarkt square has impressive historical murals. The city's history is also reflected in many fine examples of architecture including the Imperial Hall, the former governor’s residence (Statthalterei), Dachero- den House and Kronbacken Arts Centre.

Art and culture

Art and culture are high on Erfurt's agenda and fabulous festivals return year after year: the Thuringian Bach Festival, the Merchants' Bridge Festival (Thuringia's biggest medieval fair), St. Martin's Festival (on Martin Luther's birthday) and the Cathedral Steps Festival Plays - performed in the open air on one of the most beautiful festival stages in the world. Erfurt's New Theatre was the first new theatre to open in Germany in the new millennium.

Museums and exhibitions

Erfurt has a number of very attractive museums - the German Horticultural Museum (a first for Germany), the Museum of Thuringian Folklore, the Haus "Zum Roten Ochsen" art gallery, the Small Synagogue (a multicultural meeting place) and the municipal museum. Art and crafts are on show at the Angermuseum. The Augustinian Monastery has a permanent exhibition on the theme of Martin Luther and the Bible.

Parks and green spaces

The "ega" gardens are among Germany's most extensive and most beautiful recreational parks and have tropical conserva- ' Tories, a butterfly house and the largest ornamental flowerbed in Europe. Visitors can also relax and feast their eyes at Molsdorf Palace and Park and in the lush green parks along the River Gera, the municipal park and South Park.