Domplatz, Square in Erfurt, Germany

Domplatz is a large square in Erfurt, Germany, covering about 9 acres (3.5 hectares) with a mix of basalt and concrete paving. It is bordered by the Erfurt Cathedral and the Severikirche on its west side, and features the Minervabrunnen fountain and the Erthal Obelisk.

Domplatz served as Erfurt's main marketplace and courthouse in the Middle Ages. In 1813, French artillery destroyed the adjacent district during the siege of Erfurt, enlarging the square, and the Erthal Obelisk was erected in 1777 to honor the Elector of Mainz.

The square is a gathering place for locals and visitors, who come to admire the cathedral and the Severikirche, and to sit by the Minervabrunnen. The annual Christmas market fills the space with stalls and lights, and the square also hosts open-air concerts and events throughout the year.

The square is easy to reach on foot from the city center, and its flat surface makes it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. To reach the cathedral, you can climb the 70 steps, which are wide and have a handrail, but take your time as the ascent is steep.

The square is divided into two sections with different paving: the part near the cathedral uses basalt, while the other part, where the Severi district once stood, uses concrete paving stones. This subtle difference reflects the square's history and its split ownership between the church and the city.