Built in first half of 13th century, the cathedral was completed under  by Bishop Dietrich II von Wettin  (1244-1277).  The western choir was added by Dietrich to honor the noble families of Naumberg, of which he was a member. The Choir Screen sculpture depicts the Crucifixion of Christ in life-size figures of Christ, the Virgin and St. John.  Bas reliefs of scenes of Christ's Passion appear to the left and right of the screen. Note the interrelationship of architecture, sculpture and stained glass. The living bodies of the canons and nobility witnessing services, juxtaposed to the stone bodies of the recently deceased family members, are set against the bodies depicted in the stained glass - a heavenly, transparent choir, glowing with the brightness of the reflected Godhead.

2  Naumburg, Cathedral. West Choir Screen  1245-60, detail of scenes of Christ's Passion.

3  Naumburg, Cathedral. West Choir Screen  1245-60. Grill opening to choir

4  Naumburg, Cathedral. West Choir Screen  1245-60.  Body of Crucified Christ on central post of opening to choir

5  Naumburg, Cathedral. West Choir Screen  1245-60.  Mourning Virgin on side of opening to choir, to the right of the figure of Christ.

6  Naumburg, Cathedral. West, Exterior view of choir (west) 1245-60.

7  Naumburg, Cathedral. Interior of Choir, wall to south

8  Naumburg, Cathedral. Interior of Choir, wall to north

9  Naumburg, Cathedral. Interior of Choir, wall to north, detail of Ekekhard of Meissen and his wife Uta

10  Naumburg, Cathedral. First West Choir window  1245-60,  Bishops and Deacons

11  Naumburg, Cathedral. First West Choir window 1245-60,  Bishop

12  Naumburg, Cathedral. First West Choir window 1245-60, Deacon

13  Naumburg, Cathedral. Second West Choir window 1245-60,  Apostles and Personifications of Virtues triumphing over adversaries and Vices.

14  Naumburg, Cathedral. Second West Choir window 1245-60,  Apostle and adversary

15  Naumburg, Cathedral. Second West Choir window 1245-60,  Virtue and Vice

 16  Naumburg, Cathedral. Third West Choir window  1245-60,  Female Saints and Saintly Knights: Female Saint

17 Naumburg, Cathedral. Third West Choir window  1245-60,  Female Saints and Saintly Knights:  A Knight