The Cranach-Triegel Altar will remain in the cathedral's possession.
Naumburg Cathedral, a significant cultural landmark in Saxony-Anhalt, is set for a significant change as the controversial Cranach-Triegel Altar prepares to relocate to its new permanent home. The altar, which has been a subject of debate among experts in monument preservation, will be moved from its current location in the west choir to the north transept.
The decision to relocate the altar was made following a dispute mediated by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Paris. UNESCO experts ruled that the altar's presence in the west choir was posing a risk to the integrity of the World Heritage Site, and recommended its move to the north transept. This decision aims to preserve the site's historical and architectural value while allowing the altarpiece to remain permanently within the cathedral.
The move is expected to be completed within a year, and the Director of the Foundation, Dr. Holger Kunde, is eager to see the effect of the altar at its new location. He plans to coordinate with the monument authorities to create an altar table suitable for the north transept.
The Cranach-Triegel Altar, supplemented by Michael Triegel in 2020, has been a source of controversy since it was displayed in the cathedral from July 2022. Its placement between founder figures such as Uta of Naumburg was controversial due to potential compromises to visual relationships. However, with its move to the north transept, these concerns are expected to be addressed.
The UNESCO ruling also states that the altar may remain in the cathedral permanently. This is a relief for State Minister and Minister for Culture Rainer Robra, who emphasised that the altar can remain in the cathedral and will find a new installation in the north transept.
The relocation of the altar is not the only cultural development in Saxony-Anhalt. The region is currently applying for a sixth World Heritage title with the Pretzienwehr in the Salzland district. The UNESCO experts' assessment and the preservation of the cultural heritage in the region have been praised by Prof. Dr. Harald Meller, Director of the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt.
The United Domstiffs, the Evangelical Cathedral Parish, and the state government have tested several possible locations within the cathedral before settling on the north transept. The completion of all work on the altar and the new windows in the east choir is also expected within a year.
The Cranach-Triegel Marian altar's move to the north transept marks a significant step towards preserving the cathedral's cultural heritage while accommodating a significant artistic piece. The region's commitment to cultural preservation and its ongoing efforts to secure more World Heritage titles are a testament to its dedication to maintaining its rich cultural history.
The regional authorities and experts are considering other lifestyle changes in Saxony-Anhalt, not just the relocation of the Cranach-Triegel Altar. For instance, they are exploring fashion-and-beauty collaborations to promote the region's cultural heritage, such as designing travel-inspired clothing lines inspired by the Naumburg Cathedral's architectural style.
This decision to expand cultural preservation initiatives is in line with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre's positive assessment of Saxony-Anhalt's commitment to its cultural heritage, as demonstrated by its application for a sixth World Heritage title with the Pretzienwehr in the Salzland district.
