Domstufen, Medieval stone staircase in Cathedral Square, Germany
The Domstufen is a stone staircase with 70 steps leading from Cathedral Square to Erfurt Cathedral and Severikirche, divided into five sections with intermediate platforms. Supporting pillars and vaults beneath create an artificial platform that extends the cathedral's building area.
Built in the 15th century, the staircase was originally called Graden, derived from the Latin word Gradus, meaning steps. It served as a ceremonial path for religious processions before becoming a public gathering space.
During August, the steps transform into an open-air stage for operas and musicals, with the cathedral facade serving as a natural backdrop. This seasonal use connects the religious site with contemporary performances.
The stairs are easily accessible from Cathedral Square and provide direct entry to both churches at the top. The climb is manageable thanks to the division into multiple sections, allowing for natural resting points.
The staircase features an innovative medieval engineering solution with five supporting pillars and vaults constructed beneath the steps. This technique allowed the structure to be built on uneven ground, demonstrating early architectural ingenuity.
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