Erfurt, serving as the capital of the Free State of Thuringia since 1991, holds the distinction of being the largest city in the region, boasting a population of nearly 215,000 as of 2022. Alongside Jena and Gera, it stands as one of the three key regional hubs in the area. The city is not only home to state authorities but also hosts significant institutions, including the Federal Labor Court, the University, Erfurt University of Applied Sciences, the Catholic Diocese of Erfurt with its notable Erfurt Cathedral, and the Regional Church Office of the Evangelical Church in Central Germany.
Erfurt’s appeal is further heightened by landmarks such as the iconic Krämerbrücke and the exceptional ensemble formed by the cathedral and Severikirche. The medieval old town center, spanning nearly three square kilometers, captivates visitors with approximately 25 parish churches, the baroque Petersberg Citadel, Central Europe’s oldest surviving synagogue, and a plethora of half-timbered buildings and communal spaces.