The Barfüßerkirche in Erfurt is one of the city’s most evocative medieval monuments, a Franciscan church founded in the 13th century. Once among the largest mendicant churches in Germany, it was renowned for its Gothic architecture and spiritual significance. The building suffered severe destruction during World War II, leaving only the choir and parts of the nave standing. Today, the ruins remain a powerful reminder of Erfurt’s turbulent history, with soaring stone walls and delicate tracery that still convey the grandeur of the original structure. The preserved sections are used for concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events, blending historical reverence with contemporary creativity. As an open-air site, the Barfüßerkirche invites visitors to reflect on resilience and continuity, offering a unique atmosphere where silence, art, and memory converge. It stands not only as a ruin but as a living cultural space, embodying both loss and renewal in the heart of Erfurt.
Erfurt Germany
Barfüßerkirche is located at Barfüßerstraße 20 in the historic old town of Erfurt. This former Franciscan church, now a picturesque ruin, lies within walking distance of central landmarks such as Anger square, the Krämerbrücke bridge, and Erfurt Cathedral. The location offers a quiet street atmosphere amidst the city's vibrant cultural core, surrounded by cafés, shops, and historic buildings. Nearby public transport includes tram line 2 to Angerbrunnen, making it accessible for visitors exploring Erfurt’s rich medieval heritage and architectural landmarks. The site’s combination of Gothic ruins and a small museum featuring medieval art makes it a compelling spot in Erfurt’s cultural landscape.
Museum
Memorial and Educational Site Andreasstraße
Museum
Stadtmuseum „Haus zum Stockfisch
Museum
DDR-Ausstellung DEUDERA
Museum
Deutsches Gartenbaumuseum
Museum
Druckereimuseum & Schaudepot im Benary-Speicher
Museum
Erinnerungsort Topf & Söhne
Museum
Luftschutzkeller
Museum
Margaretha-Reichardt-Haus
Museum
Mittelalterliche Mikwe
Museum
Museum Brückenhaus
Museum
Museum für Thüringer Volkskunde
Museum
Museum Heiligen Mühle
Museum
Museum Neue Mühle
Museum
Naturkundemuseum
Museum
Schloss und Park Molsdorf
Museum
Carillon im Bartholomäusturm
Museum
Theater Erfurt
Theatre
KulturQuartier Schauspielhaus
Theatre
Theater Waidspeicher
Theatre
Theater Die Schotte
Theatre
Theater im Palais
Theatre
Blaue Bühne
Theatre
Alte Oper Erfurt
Theatre
Kunsthalle Erfurt
Gallery
Galerie Waidspeicher
Gallery
Galerie Loeser
Gallery
Galerie Rothamel
Gallery
Galerie des Verbandes Bildender Künstler Thüringen
Gallery
Galerie niza
Gallery
Kunsthaus
Gallery
Zitadelle Petersberg
Fortress
Zitadelle Cyriaksburg
Fortress
Schlossmuseum Molsdorf
Museum
Forsthaus Willroda
Tourist attractions
Thuringian Zoo Park
Zoo
Erfurt Cathedral
Cathedral
St Severus’ Church
Church
Krämerbrücke
Bridge
Bartholomew Tower
Tower
Augustinian Monastery
Monastery
Schottenkirche
Church
Neuwerkskirche
Church
Medieval Mikveh
Historical Landmark
Egapark Erfurt
Park
Dendrologischer Garten
Garden
Nordpark Erfurt
Park
Kilianipark
Park
Stadtpark
Park
Venedig
Park
Südpark Erfurt
Park
Egapark Observation Tower
Observation deck
St. Aegidien Church
Church
Bismarck Tower
Historical Landmark