The Sibyl Tower in Erfurt
Stories behind bars
Vulnerability of the structure
The Sibyl Tower has stood at Gothaer Platz in Erfurt for centuries. Probably not always in the same place, but always at the western exit of the city. The first sight of the square in front of the Egapark city entrance is not particularly spectacular.
We still took a closer look at this medieval devotional column. On each side of the square tower there is a depiction of the Passion of Christ.
In addition, numerous ornaments decorate the Sibyl tower. This also shows the vulnerability of the building: parts keep breaking off and then end up in the gutter like this ornament:
The history of the Sibyl Tower goes back to the 14th century. It was created in the Gothic style between around 1370 and 1380. In 1716, Archbishop of Mainz Lothar Franz von Schönborn had the turret restored and placed on a new base. As Erfurt grew westward in the 19th century, the once free-standing building became part of Gothaer Platz. In 1993 the Sibyl Tower underwent extensive renovation.
A lot of things are difficult to see
The fine detailed work of the turret is revealed upon closer inspection, with some faces standing out with their simple but expressive design.
But from the ordinary perspective, much remains difficult to see. Protective grilles surround the four stories and prevent the scenes from unfolding as the artists of the Middle Ages intended - a restriction that has existed since the 18th century.
Conclusion:
Today, the Sibyl Tower may have lost its former significance, but it remains a silent witness to how deeply the Christian faith is rooted in the history of our ancestors. The turret, once a place of worship, commemorates this time of deep artistic devotion that went into its creation. In the midst of the modern world, it retains its dignity and quietly speaks of a time when people stayed here in quiet devotion.
