It was in this cathedral and before this altar that Luther was ordained a priest. This cathedral was founded by Boniface in 742. The cathedral as it exists today was constructed in three phases between 1154 and 1465. When Luther was in Erfurt, the cathedral looked as it does today. Luther held his first theology lecture in the lecture hall connected with the cathedral in 1509. The main choir area in the chancel of the cathedral is an impressive 75 feet high space, built from 1349-1372. There are fifteen beautiful colored glass windows that are among the most impressive Medieval stained glass known in Europe. Sadly, some of the windows were destroyed during World War II and their replacements are poor substitutes. It is very moving to sit and meditate on the fact that Luther walked up the aisle and took his vows as a priest in this cathedral. It is still very much a Roman Catholic cathedral and one is struck by the strong smell of incense when entering. Saints are being prayed to all over the cathedral; a statue of a dead Christ lies on display in a glass coffin.