Old synagogue Erfurt

Old synagogue (AtelierPapenfuss)

The Old Synagogue, with its oldest components dating from the 11th century, is the oldest synagogue in Central Europe preserved up to the roof. An extraordinary museum was created here in 2009 and a place where medieval material evidence of Erfurt's Jewish community is accessible to the public. The exhibition of the Old Synagogue illustrates the history of the first Jewish community of Erfurt. Gravestones from the destroyed medieval cemetery can be seen in the courtyard. The building history of the synagogue is the topic on the first floor.  The cellar houses the treasure found near the synagogue, buried by a Jew during the pogrom of 1349. The Erfurt Hebrew manuscripts are thematized on the upper floor.

Certified in the period

August 2022 - July 2025

Accessibility certified People with walking disabilities Wheelchair users Blind people

Barrier-free information

Short Report as PDF

 All areas relevant for testing meet the quality criteria of the label "Accessibility certified - accessible for people with walking disabilities and partially accessible for wheelchaiar users". 

Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.

  • There is a public parking lot available at 150 m distance. The surface quality of the car park is not easy to walk and drive on.
  • The S-Bahn station Fischmarkt is 250 m away.
  • The path in front of the entrance is partly difficult to walk and drive on (historical cobblestones).
  • The building is infinitely accessible.
  • All evaluated rooms and facilities available to the guests are infinitely accessible at ground level or via an elevator.
  • The elevator cabin measures 114 cm x 150 cm. The elevator door is 90 cm wide.
  • All evaluated passageways/doors available to the guests are at least 90 cm wide.
  • The cash desk is at its lowest point 85 cm high. There is another, equivalent communication possibility while in a sitting position.
  • The exhibits are predominately visible when seated.
  • The information on the exhibits is predominately readable when seated.
  • Guided tours for people with walking impairments and wheelchair users are offere. A reservation in advance is necessary.
  • Special trained guides ensure that people with walking impairments and wheelchair users can take part in any guided tour.
  • Mobile or fixed seats are available for people with walking disabilities, which may be used during the guided tour.
  • The entire route of the guided tour is infinitely variable for wheelchair users.
  • Offered aids: seating available

Public toilet for people with disabilities

  • The manoeuvring spaces are:
    in front of/behind the door at least 162 cm x 142 cm;
    in front of the toilet 140 cm x 140 cm;
    in front of the washbasin 120 cm x 149 cm;
    left and right of the toilet at least 90 cm x 70 cm.
  • There are grab rails available on the right and left of the toilet. The grab rails can be flipped-up.
  • The sink has limited access.
  • The mirror is not visible while sitting.
  • An alarm trigger (cord) is available.

Evaluation report: Download as PDF

Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.

  • There is no alarm.
  • There is no audio induction loop system.
  • An outgoing emergency call in the elevator is confirmed audibly. Alternatively stairs are available.
  • The information on the exhibits is predominately provided in writing.
  • There is audible information on the exhibits (audioguide).
  • Information on the exhibits is displayed photo realistically.
  • Guided tours are offered for people with hearing impairment, but not for deaf people. A reservation in advance is necessary
  • Guided tours with FM systems (e.g. headphones, neck loops) are available for people with hearing impairments.

Evaluation report: Download as PDF

All areas relevant for testing meet the quality criteria of the label "Accessibility certified - partially accessible for people with visual impairments".

Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.

  • Assistance dogs are allowed in relevant areas/rooms.
  • External paths usually have tactilely detectable sidewalk boundaries.
  • The entrance is visually rich in contrast.
  • All evaluated and usable areas for the guest are well illuminated, i.e. bright and glare-free.
  • The signage is designed in clearly legible and contrasting font.
  • There are few glass doors without safety markings.
  • An outgoing emergency call in the elevator is confirmed audibly.
  • The break position is not announced by spoken commands.
  • The operating controls are not visually rich in contrast, but tactilely detectable.
  • Alternatively stairs are available.
  • At least at the first and last step, stairs have visually contrasting edges.
  • Steps are visually rich in contrast. Stairs have at least a handrail on one side.
  • The exhibits are usually well illuminated.
  • The information on the exhibits is predominately provided in writing and is visually rich in contrast.
  • There is audible information on the exhibits.
  • Guided tours for people with visual impairments and blind people are offere. A reservation in advance is necessary.
  • Tactilely detectable exhibits are integrated in the guided tour.
  • An audio guide is available which can be operated independently by people with visual impairments / blind people.
  • Information is not available in Braille or prismatic font.
  • Offered aids: reading aids (magnifying glasses, etc.)

Evaluation report: Download as PDF

Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.

  • The name or logo of the museum is clearly recognizable from the outside.
  • Signs in visible distance or an uninterrupted guidance system are available.
  • The information on the exhibits is predominatel provided in writing, but not in easy language.
  • Information on the exhibits/ is displayed photo realistically.
  • There are no guided tours available for people with cognitive impairments.
  • There is no information in easy language.

Evaluation report: Download as PDF