Controversial altar remains in Naumburg Cathedral - but will be relocated

The controversial Cranach-Triegel Altarpiece may remain in Naumburg Cathedral permanently, but must vacate its current location in the west choir. This is the result of a decision by UNESCO experts, which has now been communicated to the state of Saxony-Anhalt and the Federal Foreign Office. In future, the altar will be placed in the north transept, as the State Chancellery announced in Magdeburg on Wednesday.

In March 2025, UNESCO had the cathedral assessed by international experts after years of sometimes heated debate about the effect of the altar on the World Heritage interior. In particular, it was criticized that the altar disturbed the view of the famous high medieval donor figures such as Uta von Naumburg.

"Integrity of the World Heritage Site preserved"

Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff (CDU) welcomed the decision: "With a lot of patience, we have made it possible to present the Cranach-Triegel Altarpiece in Naumburg Cathedral and at the same time preserved the integrity of the World Heritage Site." According to Culture Minister Rainer Robra (CDU), it is "a good result for our World Heritage Sites and the citizens of Saxony-Anhalt".

In 2020, Leipzig artist Michael Triegel added a new central section to the altarpiece, which originated from Lucas Cranach's workshop and had been partially destroyed. The work has been on display in the west choir of the cathedral since July 2022 - much to the displeasure of some monument experts. As a result, there were even discussions about revoking the World Heritage title.

One year for the removal

The Vereinigte Domstifter, the Protestant cathedral parish and the State Office for the Preservation of Monuments accept UNESCO's decision. The relocation should be completed within a year.