Erfurt in the Middle Ages – a GWZO Exhibition Project

This exhibition project focuses on the cultural, economic and artistic connections of the medieval metropolis with the surrounding region as well as with eastern and western Europe.

Erfurt, one of the most important medieval cities in the eastern part of the Holy Roman Empire, served as the seat of the auxiliary bishops of Mainz. It was a major trading hub located at the crossroads of key long-distance trade routes, an outstanding center of Jewish culture and the largest producer and marketplace for woad in Central and Eastern Europe — the most important blue dye for textile production at the time. 

In 2018 and 2019, the GWZO organised two well-attended international conferences in cooperation with numerous partners in Erfurt (including the City of Erfurt, the Department of Culture, the Chair of Medieval History at the University of Erfurt and the Erfurt Historical Society). The first conference (20-23 June 2018) focused on architecture and art; the second (6-8 June 2019) on urban development, city life and intellectual history. 

A publication featuring contributions from approximately 35 scholars is currently in preparation. It will serve as the foundation for the upcoming exhibition, which will explore the cultural and historical significance of this fascinating medieval metropolis.

Area of Operations Showing Knowledge | Exhibiting

Department: Knowledge Transfer and Interconnection