Apel handrail in the Naumburg Cathedral, Eve

The artist Heinrich Apel decided to use the handrail attached here in 1982/83 to depict a scene that had become known as the “Narrow Path to Paradise”. Have you already recognized the path? It is the snake. It is regarded as an early symbol of evil. Think of the story of Adam and Eve. Of course, they both romp around in paradise in the upper part of the handrail. On the back of the snake several people try to get to paradise as well. So anyone who wants to take the path to paradise here must face a being who has been burdened with the entire burden of humanity's sins.

Paradise waits in the end. Adam and Eve – naked as God created them – loll about in the Garden of Eden.