Two historic Renaissance buildings in Erfurt's old city centre in the eastern German state of Thuringia burned early on Thursday morning, a police spokesperson said.

According to police, a fire broke out at the famous 1584 "Zum Breiten Herd" house at around 4:40 am, then spread to the neighbouring historic Gildehaus building.

No one was injured in the fires, but police estimate damages will reach some €2 million.

The Renaissance "Zum Breiten Herd" house is among Erfurt's oldest buildings. The elaborate facade was restored last year.