72 Nikolaitor and Nikolaikirche in Eisenach
72 Nikolaitor and Nikolaikirche in Eisenach
The Nikolaikirche is located at Karlsplatz, at the eastern edge of the town center, and is the oldest church in Eisenach.
This three-aisled Romanesque basilica, dating from the second half of the 12th century, was once the church of a Benedictine convent for nuns.
Inside, the Romanesque columns and the simple style of the church are particularly noticeable.
In the chancel, there is a carved altar from around 1520, depicting the Entombment of Christ.
The Nikolaitor was built around 1170 and is the only remaining city gate of Eisenach.
During the Middle Ages, the trade route Via Regia, connecting Frankfurt/Main to Krakow, passed through the oldest city gate in Thuringia.
In what was once a dungeon of Eisenach, the wine restaurant „Turmschänke“ was opened in 1912.
Its atmosphere has inspired local poets to write, with Armin Rabe composing a poem around 1900 praising the Turmschänke:
„Where once the guard, with grim fighting, caused trouble for the enemies, where then in the tightness of confinement, the bailiff had to restrain the citizens, now one sits here, without fear, in the ancient and noble tower prison.“
Today, the restaurant once again shines in its former glory and invites guests to dine.
For more information:
Nikolai- and Petersbezirk
Ludwigstr. 38
99817 Eisenach
Phone: 03691 / 87 67 09
Tourist Information Eisenach
Phone: 03691 / 79 23-0