The Luther Connection

Known as the Birthplace of the Reformation, Luther played the most important roles of his life on the stage of Wittenberg: monk, student, professor, priest, husband, father, author. reformer. It was here that he sparked the Reformation with his 95 Theses and it was here that he was buried, the Great Reformer.

The Castle Church

This is where it all began; according to legend, Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Castle Church door and, with that act, sparked the Reformation. While the original wooden door no longer stands, a massive bronze memorial door marks the spot that changed the course of history. Martin Luther's grave is inside.

St Mary's Church, also known as the Town Church

The 'Mother Church of the Reformation' is the oldest building in town. Here, Martin Luther preached, was married (1525) and baptized his six children. On Christmas Day 1521, the first Protestant service was held and Communion was observed. The altarpiece, created by Lucas Cranach the Elder, was mounted in 1547 and represents an important shift in Christian art and mentality.

The Luther House 

This former Augustinian monastery was Luther's home and is now a Reformation museum. Luther's Living Room is a real highlight; full of atmosphere, it has his original desk and 500-year-old period furnishings. This was often a location for exchanges with his students, conversations that we can still read about in the book Table Talks (1531). Other must-sees include the Ten Commandments painting by Lucas Cranach the Elder, a Lutheran Bible from 1534 and a letter of indulgence.

The city

Although famously known as the 'Cradle of the Lutheran Reformation', the town has much to offer in addition to Reformation history. The main street is called the Cultural Mile, a reminder that 500 years ago the university was an intellectual powerhouse in Europe, attracting inventors, philosophers and many others.

The Cranach Courtyards ('Cranach Hoefe')
These courtyards commemorate the painter Lucas Cranach, who spent ca. 45 years of his life in Wittenberg. As well as a busy art studio, Cranach owned a farm, a printing company (he printed copies of Luther's New Testament in German) and a pharmacy.

The Melanchthon House
One of the grandest houses in town is the 1536 former home, now museum), of Philipp Melanchthon, Luther's best friend and colleague.

Place to stay

You are looking for a hotel in Lutherstadt Wittenberg? The exclusive BEST WESTERN Stadtpalais Wittenberg is situated in the heart of the city, next to the famous Lutherhaus Museum and the old university Leucorea. Visit their website for more information.

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