Erfurt has preserved an intact medieval city centre. The city is known for its two churches, Erfurt Cathedral (Mariendom) and Severikirche, which stand side by side and together form the emblem of the city. Another remarkable site is the Krämerbrücke. The bridge is covered with 32 inhabited buildings. Martin Luther studied at the university and lived in the Augustinerkloster, an old monastry. The eleventh century Erfurt Synagogue is thought to be the oldest synagogue building still standing in Europe.
The industrial landscape is mainly characterised by small to medium-sized companies as well as the various ventures specialising in craftwork and companies in the electrical engineering electronics/microelectronics field.