Archaeological excavations in Erfurt, Germany, have uncovered initial wall remains shortly after beginning. The investigation is being conducted by the Thuringian State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology on behalf of the city, focusing on a surface of approximately 100 square meters on the parking lot behind the Rathaus.
Karin Sczech of the Erfurt UNESCO team stated that unknown structures were uncovered on the Rathaus parking lot two days after the start of the excavations. Current findings indicate the site contained a Jewish dance house, residential houses, and a community well during the Middle Ages. According to current findings, the dance house was used for weddings and other celebrations. Archaeologists have already excavated part of the east wall of the dance house.
The area in the old town of Erfurt served as the center of a second Jewish community from 1354 to 1454. In 2023, UNESCO included the Old Synagogue, the medieval Mikvah, and the Steinerne Haus in Erfurt on the World Heritage List as evidence of Jewish-medieval heritage.
Future developments and site restoration
The city of Erfurt plans to build a visitor and information center for the Jewish medieval heritage at the site. The planned center is intended to include an exhibition area for special shows, a new community center for the Jewish state community, and a Jewish restaurant.
We want to continue telling the Jewish history this way.
The area was extensively excavated during the construction of the parking lot in the 1990s, though it was only briefly documented at that time. Current archaeological work is expected to last until mid-September. Following the completion of the work, the excavation area will be refilled, and the parking lot will be restored to its previous state by late September or early October.
Karin Sczech stated that further excavations are planned for next year to clarify findings regarding the settlement of Erfurt's second Jewish community.
