Erfurt is the capital city of the state of Thuringia (Thüringen) located in the "green heart of Germany". The first documentary reference to Erfurt dates back to 742 AD, since which time the city has grown from being a small but thriving centre for commerce at the intersection of medieval trading routes to become an important commercial centre. Erfurt also has a fine university and the city’s cultural, intellectual and economic dominance drew great personalities such as Luther (Augustinian Monastery), Adam Ries, Goethe, Schiller, Herder, Wieland, Bach (Kaufmannskirche, (Merchants’ Church) the church where J. S. Bach’s parents were married), W. v. Humboldt, Zsar Alexander and Napoleon (Kaisersaal, Staatskanzlei (Chancellery)).

The former wealth of the city is reflected in the many carefully restored Renaissance and half-timbered houses. There are many other historical buildings which together with the Krämerbrücke make up one of the best preserved medieval city centres in Germany. At one time Erfurt gained the two titles of "Rome of Thuringia" and "erfordia turrita" (The latter title (Erfurt city of towers and spires) was given on account of the city’s 36 parish churches and chapels as well as its 15 monasteries and other ecclesiastical buildings. The capital city of Thuringia is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.