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Naumburg Cathedral
The Naumburg Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul is one of the most significant cultural monuments of the European High Middle Ages and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2018. Mostly constructed during the 13th century, it uniquely blends late Romanesque and early Gothic architectural elements. The cathedral is world-famous primarily for the works of the 'Naumburg Master,' an anonymous architect and sculptor who designed the west choir. This section houses the twelve life-sized donor figures, including the famous Uta von Naumburg, widely regarded as the 'most beautiful woman of the Middle Ages.' The extraordinary realism and individuality of these sculptures marked a turning point in European art history. Beyond the west choir, the Romanesque crypt, the east choir, and the precious stained-glass windows from various centuries are equally impressive. The cathedral is tucked away within the historic old town of Naumburg in the photogenic Saale-Unstrut wine-growing region.
- Location: Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
- Top sights: Nietzsche-Haus · Stadtkirche St. Wenzel · Wenzelsturm
- Nearby: Weißenfels (12 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 9 | 4 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 51 | 36 | 44 | 35 | 65 | 62 | 79 | 62 | 59 | 47 | 54 | 52 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The cathedral features two opposing choirs, a characteristic element of German Romanesque design.
- Uta von Naumburg's statue reportedly served as an inspiration for the Evil Queen in early Disney films.
- Naumburg Cathedral was the seat of the Bishopric of Naumburg until 1564.
- The choir screen in the west choir displays intricate reliefs of the Passion of Christ.
- The cathedral has four towers that dominate the skyline of the city of Naumburg.
- A modern stained-glass window in the chapel was designed by the famous artist Neo Rauch.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Naumburg Cathedral (10)
Wenzelsturm
Tower of St. Wenzel Church, offering a panoramic view over the old town and Saale valley.
Kultur und Tourismus Centrum Naumburg
Tourist information center providing details on sights and cultural events.
Apothekenmuseum🏛 museum
Museum in a historic pharmacy, displaying pharmaceutical collections and instruments.
St. Peter und Paul
Church at Kramerplatz, a Baroque building with a distinctive tower.
Salztor
Two classicist gate houses built in 1835, replacing the medieval salt gate.
Stadtmuseum Hohe Lilie🏛 museum
Museum in a patrician house, presenting city history and crafts.
Theater Naumburg
Venue for plays, concerts, and guest performances in a historic building.
Kleine Galerie
Rotating art exhibitions by contemporary and regional artists.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Naumburg Cathedral a World Heritage site?
Who is Uta of Naumburg?
Are there guided tours of the cathedral?
How much is the entry fee?
Is photography allowed in the cathedral?
Naumburg Cathedral: where is it located?
Naumburg Cathedral: what is there to see?
Naumburg Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
Nearby cities
