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Erfurt is a city in central Germany. It is the capital of the state of Thuringia, a manufacturing centre with a population of 200,000.

Erfurt was first mentioned in 742 under the name of "Erphesfurt". It was an important trading town during the Middle Ages near a ford in the Gera river. Together with the other five Thuringian woad-towns of Gotha, Tennstedt, Arnstadt and Langensalza it was the centre of the German woad trade. In 1392 Erfurt University was founded, which was famous at its time but became defunct in 1816. In 1803 Erfurt became a part of Prussia. Although enclosed by Thuringian territory, the city remained Prussian until 1945. After German reunification Erfurt became the capital of the reestablished state of Thuringia. The University was reopened in 1994.

The emblem of Erfurt is the two churches, the Mariendom and the Severikirche, which stand directly side by side. Both churches tower above the townscape and are accessible via huge open stairs.

Another remarkable site is the Krämerbrücke, a bridge crossing the narrow Gera River. The bridge is covered with inhabited buildings. It was built in 1325 with a church on either bridgehead - one of these churches still exists.

The Augustinerkloster is an ancient Augustinian monastery. Martin Luther lived there as a monk from 1505-11.

Erfurt is the birthplace of one of J.S. Bach's cousins, Johann Bernhard Bach (1676-1749), and also of the sociologist, Max Weber (1864-1920).

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International Airport Erfurt:
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Old building of the university (currently being renovated:
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The best bratwurst in the world comes from Thueringen:
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What an absolutely beautiful town! Looks amazing, it's exactly the kind of place I would like to visit if I go on holiday to Europe. Those two churches are stunning. Cul will love them.

Yes, Erfurt is a lovely old city, isn't it. :) I visited it a number of years ago and enjoyed the experience tremendously.

Thank you for your photos, Skyland, and for the text! :okay: