Cranach-Triegel Altar remains in Naumburg Cathedral - change of location decided!

Cranach-Triegel Altar remains in Naumburg Cathedral - change of location decided!

A significant step for Naumburg Cathedral and the Cranach-Triegel Altar was officially announced today: The altar will remain in the cathedral, but it will have to change its location. This decision was made following a UNESCO ruling in order to preserve the cathedral's World Heritage status. Culture Minister Rainer Robra described the result as a “good compromise” and explained that the clarity was very welcome for the moment. The old concerns that the altar would disrupt the impressive overall effect of the medieval architecture must now be swept under the carpet.

The altar will now move from the west choir to the north transept, where it will be better displayed. Holger Kunde, the director of the Vereinigte Domstifter, has mixed feelings about this solution, but sees the new location as worthy. The experts say that the north transept is suitable for providing the right setting for the altar due to its ceiling height and space.

The path to the decision

The Cranach-Triegel Altar was originally exhibited in the west choir of Naumburg Cathedral until December 2022, before it was temporarily moved to the Paderborn Diocesan Museum and currently to Klosterneuburg Abbey near Vienna. The United Cathedral Donors are now planning to return the altar to the west choir between the donor figures, where figures such as Uta von Naumburg are placed. However, this positioning caused controversy as experts disagreed that the altar would impair visibility in the west choir.

The discussions about the possible withdrawal of the cathedral's World Heritage status showed how serious the situation was. To address the concerns, Minister Robra had asked UNESCO to mediate. A technical report from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (Icomos) from June 2022 was also consulted to clarify the situation. The dispute about the effects of the return of the altar has therefore been resolved for the time being.

Cultural relevance of Naumburg Cathedral

The Naumburg Cathedral, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2018, is characterized by its intact materials and forms from the High Middle Ages. Not only is it an outstanding example of medieval architecture, but it also houses uniquely designed elements that demonstrate the authentic state of the architecture. The impressive donor figures that can be found in the west choir contribute to the preservation of the cultural heritage and continue to attract numerous visitors. The overall state of preservation is pleasing and the original functions of the cathedral remain unchanged.

The close connection of the cathedral to the old town of Naumburg and the regular church services also underline the lively cultural use of this historical site. It remains a high mass for the combination of art, history and community in the heart of the city. With the move of the Cranach-Triegel Altar to the north transept, nothing stands in the way of further positive developments for the future of Naumburg Cathedral.

For more information: MDR, Naumburg Cathedral, UNESCO.