Naumburg Cathedral's Unesco World Heritage title once sparked debates, and now, the Cranach-Triegel Altarpiece returns for an extended display: From the upcoming weekend till July 2025, visitors can witness the altarpiece in the west choir of the cathedral. The Vereinigte Domstifter will conduct exclusive guided tours, shedding light on the altarpiece's history, symbolism, and the 'Triegel meets Cranach' project, as per a recent press release.
Michael Triegel, a Leipzig painter, completed this masterpiece, which Lukas Cranach the Elder created between 1517 and 1519, only to see it partially destroyed later. The altarpiece's location in the west choir, amidst the famous donor figures, such as Uta von Naumburg, raised some contention, with the Vereinigte Domstifter advocating its return to its original position. However, concerns arose over its impact on the "extremely sensitive visual relationships in the west choir," as experts noted, almost threatening the cathedral's World Heritage status.
Calm seems to have restored harmony, as the altarpiece finds its way back to where it belongs amidst the monuments that add enchantment to the church. The controversy surrounding its temporary removal has been settled, allowing visitors to appreciate the Art of the Cranach-Triegel Altarpiece during special guided tours. The local Protestant parish of Naumburg and the Vereinigte Domstifter invite everyone to a musical vespers service in the west choir, performed by notable figures including Catholic Bishop of Magdeburg, Gerhard Feige, and the Protestant Regional Bishop Johann Schneider.
Note: In recent times, the controversial altarpiece was moved temporarily due to logistical concerns, which were satisfactorily resolved for its now-permanent return to the west choir of Naumburg Cathedral. The revered artwork adds considerable historical and artistic value to the World Heritage-listed site, further cementing the cathedral's rich cultural significance in the wider community, including admiring tourists.
