His son and successor, Otto I swore an oath on 10 August 955 to establish a diocese at Merseburg if God would grant him victory at the upcoming Battle of Lechfeld.

[1]: 3–4 Around the middle of the 12th century the western towers were rebuilt, with late Romanesque octagonal upper levels put on top of the lower quadratic structures.

The shape of the windows was later changed to Gothic style, probably in the second quarter of the 13th century when a new porch (or narthex) was added to the church.

Renovations aimed at restoring the "original" look of the church took place in 1839, 1844/5 and 1883–6, Baroque elements were mostly removed (excluding the tombs, high altar, organ and the façade of the princely vault).

[1]: 28 Damage sustained by palace and cathedral during World War II bombing were repaired starting in 1946.

The Treasury exhibits altars from the 16th century, liturgical equipment, the so-called cloak of Otto I and the hand of Rudolf of Rheinfelden.

The southern wing now houses de:Europäisches Romanik Zentrum (European Centre for Romanesque Art).

[1]: 29 Merseburg Cathedral is known in musical circles for its large romantic organ, built by Friedrich Ladegast in the mid-19th century.

Merseburg Cathedral also had a brief appearance in the 2014 film "The Monuments Men", directed by George Clooney.