Frienstedt – Settlement, Runic Find and Cross

Frienstedt offers culture enthusiasts three specific points of interest: the Late Roman Imperial-period site with its craftworkers’ settlement, a runic inscription on a comb, and the Frienstedt Cross. Settlement archaeology and crafts, early writing, and the design of a cross are thus brought together. If you’re looking for a hotel in Frienstedt, this overview can help you decide which cultural focus to choose for your trip. Would you rather explore an archaeological site and the history of writing, or are you especially interested in the design of the Frienstedt Cross?

Site, Settlement and Metalworking

The Late Roman Imperial-period site includes a craftworkers’ settlement where the working of non-ferrous and precious metals has been documented. About half of the site was excavated between 2001 and 2003. The working of both groups of materials gives the settlement a clearly defined craft dimension. “Late Roman Imperial period” places the site in time; the comb with the runic inscription comes separately from around 300 AD. This distinction helps separate two archaeological findings: one concerning the settlement and one concerning an individual written artifact.

Runic Inscription on a Comb

During the analysis of the excavation of a Germanic settlement near Frienstedt, a runic inscription was discovered on a comb dating from around 300 AD. It is considered the oldest known Germanic writing in central Germany. The find thus connects a specific object with a historical classification of writing that extends beyond Frienstedt. While the settlement and metalworking define the craft theme, the inscription offers a glimpse into early Germanic writing.

The Frienstedt Cross

The Frienstedt Cross is a distinct point of interest. It is notable for its harmonious proportions and unusually elaborate iconographic decoration. Proportions draw attention to the relationship between the parts; iconography refers to the images depicted in a work of art. Form and imagery are therefore two distinct aspects of its design; alongside settlement and writing, they add an art-historical focus.

Cultural Highlights in the Wider Destination of Erfurt

The wider destination of Erfurt offers further cultural highlights. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Jewish-Medieval Heritage in Erfurt lies in the heart of Erfurt’s Old Town and includes the Old Synagogue, the mikveh and the Stone House. These buildings are rare and exceptionally well-preserved examples of Jewish architecture in Central Europe. The focus here differs from that of the Frienstedt site: the emphasis is on several specific examples of Erfurt’s medieval Jewish heritage.

Erfurt’s architecture can also be explored through specific details. St. Mary’s Cathedral has a High Gothic choir, a Romanesque tower area and a Late Gothic west hall. St. Severus’ Church is a five-aisled Gothic hall church and, from the 12th century onward, served as the collegiate church of a community of canons. The Krämerbrücke, meanwhile, is one of Erfurt’s landmarks and Europe’s longest bridge continuously lined with houses and inhabited. Together, these examples from Erfurt illustrate different ways to explore architectural history and urban heritage.

Discover more destinations: Kühnhausen, Molsdorf, Kerspleben, Niedernissa, Erfurt, Tiefthal

Go to the wider travel overview: Erfurt.