Cathedral Chapter Library and Archive

Within the Naumburg Cathedral Chapter Library and Archive are some of the most important cultural and historical items both in Saxony-Anhalt and from an international perspective. The written testimonies in these collections (certificates, cartularies, deeds, panels of coat of arms, incunables, etc.) represent the core of the historical heritage of Saxony-Anhalt.

Cathedral Chapter Archive

The archive collates numerous significant historical items including, at its core, the documentary records of the Naumburg Cathedral Chapter and its bishops since the high middle ages. The extensive range of deeds, including numerous medieval papal and sovereign deeds date back to the 10th century. The documentary archive which began in the 15th century provides an extensive overview of the acts and life of the Naumburg Cathedral Chapter from the late middle ages to the present day. Accounting ledgers, minutes and individual deeds provide valuable insights into the political, economic and liturgical day-to-day business of a religious institution which, despite several upheavals in society, has succeeded in maintaining its continued existence right through to the present day. One of its most important tasks is to preserve sensitive items in suitable spaces and in packaging appropriate for a wide range of materials. In addition, the source material, much of which is yet to be evaluated, is also made available for research through existing and planned development projects.

Cathedral Chapter Library

The roots of this valuable collection lie in the late medieval library of the Naumburg canons and the store of liturgical manuscripts and publications used in cathedral services. Over the centuries, legacies and donations by individual canons and rectors of the Cathedral School have added to the collection now known as the Cathedral Chapter Library.

 

Size in figures:

Records: approx. 2,500 (of which approx. 2,000 from the middle ages)


Books: approx. 30,000 (of which over 25,000 are pre-1900)


Deeds: approx. 35,000


Maps and plans: approx. 3,000


Picture archive: approx. 10,000   


Continuous length of shelving (in metres): approx 1,500

Special guided tours in the Cathedral Chapter Archive and Library
The hidden texts

The Vereinigte Domstifter offer any interested visitors the chance to view the most significant works of art in the upper floor of the cloister of Naumburg Cathedral as part of a public tour.

April to October
Every first Saturday of the month: 1 p.m.

Costs: 5,00 € adults, 1,50 € pupils

Please note that this guided tour is in German only. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the cathedral entrance desk. Outside of the aforementioned times, groups can book a tour by registering in advance.

Would you like to view our exhibits for research?

Then please use our multimedia archive KoRAX.


This is the online database of the archives and libraries of the Vereinigte Domstifter. The database will have further items added to it on a continual basis over the coming years. Using this resource, not only can you research exhibits but also access all sources in digital form. This means you can view them as many times as you like.

Contacts

Dr. Matthias Ludwig
Head of Cathedral Chapter Archive and Library in Naumburg
Tel.: +49 (0) 3445 23 01 142 
Fax: +49 (0) 3445 23 01 110
m.ludwig@vereinigtedomstifter.de

 

Cordula Strehl
Librarian
Phone: +49 (0) 3445 23 01 141
Fax: +49 (0) 3445 23 01 110
c.strehl@vereinigtedomstifter.de

EN
Skip to content