Erfurt (dpa/th) – The city of Erfurt does not want to do without the lighting of the cathedral and Christmas market, regardless of the federal energy saving ordinance that will apply from Thursday. “Erfurt switches off, but not come hell or high water,” said Mayor Andreas Bausewein (SPD), according to a statement from the municipality on Wednesday. The federal ordinance, which is also mandatory for Erfurt, stipulates that the lighting of buildings or monuments from the outside is prohibited, there is only an exception for safety and emergency lighting.
The city will implement this at the same castle, the Anger Museum, the Museum of Thuringian Folklore, the Bastion Franz (Petersberg) and the Theaterplatz. According to the Lord Mayor, around 35,000 euros could be saved in this way. To prevent vandalism and to avoid a feeling of insecurity among the citizens, the Krämerbrücke, Kaufmannskirche and old Angerbrunnen remained illuminated.
The cathedral and the Severikirche, the two landmarks in the heart of the city, would also continue to be illuminated. Switching it off would cause a noticeable darkening of the immediate area and thus less security. “The spotlighting is also a sign that we won’t let it get us down.”
The Christmas market lights should also be switched on. If the “magnificent light elements” were switched off, hardly anyone would understand. The electricity costs for this would be around 5000 euros. The mayor explained that the costs and benefits clearly speak in favor of switching on the light.
