Plizio Visual Lab
Naumburg Cathedral
Naumburg Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul in southern Saxony-Anhalt is a masterpiece of European Romanesque and Gothic architecture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2018. Built in the 13th century, the structure is world-famous for the works of the so-called 'Naumburg Master', an architect and sculptor whose name remains unknown. Of particular note is the west choir with its twelve donor statues, including the famous depiction of Uta von Ballenstedt, regarded as a symbol of the most beautiful woman of the Middle Ages. These lifelike sculptures mark a turning point in art history as they display individual emotions and realistic details. The cathedral's architecture is characterized by its rare double choir layout with two rood screens separating the choir from the nave. Precious exhibits such as the Naumburg Pietà and medieval manuscripts are presented in the cathedral treasury. The combination of architecture, sculpture, and stained glass makes the cathedral an outstanding testimony to the High Medieval cultural landscape along the Saale and Unstrut rivers.
- Location: Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
- Top sights: Nietzsche-Haus · Thainburgbrücke · Kultur und Tourismus Centrum Naumburg
- 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
History & landmarks
middle-ages
1213–1250
Geography
Facts
- Naumburg Cathedral was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2018.
- The donor statue of Uta von Ballenstedt is considered an icon of German Gothic art.
- The Naumburg Master created the west rood screen reliefs depicting scenes of Christ's Passion.
- The cathedral features two opposing choirs, which is rare for German cathedrals.
- The building was constructed in its current form between 1210 and 1242.
- The west choir contains a total of twelve life-sized donor statues made of limestone.
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)
Kultur und Tourismus Centrum Naumburg
The Culture and Tourism Centre Naumburg provides information on sights and events.
Wenzelsturm
Wenzelsturm is a medieval tower in Naumburg offering views over the city.
Stadtkirche St. Wenzel
St. Wenzel's City Church on Topfmarkt in Naumburg is a Gothic hall church.
Marien-Magdalenen-Kirche
St. Mary Magdalene Church on Marienplatz in Naumburg is a baroque church.
Kunstwerk Turbinenhaus
The Kunstwerk Turbinenhaus in Naumburg is an exhibition space for contemporary art.
Apothekenmuseum🏛 museum
The Pharmacy Museum in Naumburg displays historic pharmacy equipment and medicines.
Stadtmuseum Hohe Lilie🏛 museum
The Hohe Lilie City Museum in Naumburg presents local history in a half-timbered house.
Turm des Marientors
The tower of the Marientor in Naumburg is a former city gate tower with a viewing platform.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who is Uta von Naumburg?
Is Naumburg Cathedral a UNESCO World Heritage site?
How much is the adult entrance fee?
Can you visit the cathedral garden?
Are there regular organ concerts?
Naumburg Cathedral: where is it located?
Naumburg Cathedral: what is there to see?
Naumburg Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
Nearby cities
