The Erfurt Gate was built in 1395 as one of the first of the five city gates of the Sömmerda city wall. The historic former entrance to the town is now a listed building.

The former three-storey and approximately 27-meter-high entrance to the town was the home of a guard. His job was to close the gate in the evening. Anyone who arrived late had to pay an entrance fee or was no longer allowed in.

The guard could access the interior of the gate via an external staircase. Today, a modern extension is attached to the gate for this purpose, among others. Where a moat once surrounded the city wall and presumably a bridge made it possible to pass through the Erfurt Gate, there is now a green strip with a footpath.

 Instead of a weather vane, the spire is now adorned with a spire button.