About the World Heritage Application

The application's paramount objective is to fortify the Erfurt Old Synagogue's rank as a single monument, but also as a testimony to Jewish religion and culture in Central Europe. Simultaneously, it aims at adequately recognizing and appreciating the presence of Jews in Europe since ancient times: over centuries, Jewish-Christian coexistence has moulded today's European culture and society. The State Capital of Erfurt thus complies with Germany's particular historical responsibility to commemorate the common roots of Jews and Christians in Europe and to honour the contribution of Jewish citizens to scholarliness and economic prosperity.