A double-choired Gothic cathedral whose 13th-century founder statues, especially the figure of Uta von Ballenstedt, are regarded as landmarks of medieval European sculpture for their unusually naturalistic expression.
The cathedral's unusual double-choir plan reflects a complex building history from around 1213, and its west choir houses twelve life-sized statues of the cathedral's historical lay founders, carved around 1250 by the workshop of an unidentified sculptor known only as the Naumburg Master. The statue of Uta von Ballenstedt in particular has become one of the most reproduced images in German art history for its subtle, individualized expression, unusual for the period. The cathedral's 2018 UNESCO inscription recognized both the sculptural program and its place within Naumburg's medieval religious landscape.
| Admission | €9.50 (~$10) adult; €6 (~$6) concession |
|---|---|
| Hours | Apr-Oct: Mon-Sat 9:00-18:00, Sun/holidays 11:00-18:00; Nov-Mar: Mon-Sat 10:00-16:00, Sun/holidays 12:00-16:00 |
| Address | Domplatz 16-17, 06618 Naumburg (Saale), Germany |
Why it matters
Home to the celebrated founder statues of the anonymous 'Naumburg Master,' among the most admired examples of medieval European sculpture, including the figures of Uta and Ekkehard.
Site facts
- Built
- Begun c. 1213; west choir sculptures c. 1250
- Style
- Gothic with Romanesque elements
- UNESCO listing
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2018
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Location
Domplatz 16-17, 06618 Naumburg (Saale), Germany
51.1546, 11.8074 View on map
Highlights
- Founder statues of Uta and Ekkehard by the Naumburg Master
- Unusual double-choir Gothic design
- 2018 UNESCO World Heritage inscription
Tips for visiting
- Use the included audio guide for context on the Naumburg Master's sculptures and identity debate
- Check the cathedral's events calendar, as hours can be restricted around services and concerts
When to visit
Weekday mornings year-round for the quietest view of the statues.
Accessibility
Main nave and west choir wheelchair accessible via a side entrance; crypt reached by stone stairs.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Who was the Naumburg Master?
The name given to the anonymous 13th-century sculptor and workshop leader responsible for the cathedral's founder statues; their true identity and training remain debated among art historians.