Bartholomew Tower

About

Bartholomew Tower, rising above Erfurt’s historic city center, is one of the most distinctive landmarks on the Domplatz. Originally part of the medieval parish church of St. Bartholomew, the tower survived the demolition of the church in the 19th century and has since stood as a solitary witness to centuries of urban history. Its Gothic foundations and later baroque additions reflect the architectural transitions that shaped Erfurt’s skyline. For generations, the tower served as a watchtower and bell tower, marking civic life with its chimes. Today, it is preserved as a cultural monument, offering visitors insight into the city’s layered past. Standing beside the cathedral and St. Severus’ Church, Bartholomew Tower completes one of Europe’s most striking ensembles, embodying both continuity and transformation in Erfurt’s heritage. It remains a symbol of resilience, memory, and the enduring presence of history in the heart of Thuringia.

Erfurt Germany

Location

Bartholomew Tower, also known as Bartholomäusturm, is located in the heart of Erfurt's old town at the western Anger square, near Andreasstraße 37a. It is the only remaining part of the former St. Bartholomew Church, originally one of the oldest parish churches in Erfurt. The 35-meter-high tower, built between 1411 and 1448, features a carillon with 60 bronze bells that automatically plays melodies three times daily at 10 AM, 12 PM, and 6 PM. The tower is surrounded by charming historic streets typical of Erfurt’s old town, with easy access to other central landmarks such as the Krämerbrücke, Erfurt Cathedral, and St. Severus’ Church. Public transport is readily available with tram lines stopping nearby at Anger and Domplatz, making it a well-connected and culturally significant site in the city.