Lutherstadt Wittenberg

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Lutherstadt-Wittenberg-Launching of the Reformati

A July 1998 trip to Lutherstadt Wittenberg by unorthodox traveler Best of IgoUgo

Lutherstadt-WhittenbergMore Photos

It was here that Martin Luther launched the Protestant Reformation in 1517...changing the world forever. With my Lutheran heritage, visiting this place was a spiritual pilgrimage.It was here that Luther did most of his work.

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Lutherstadt-Wittenberg-Launching of the ReformatiBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Lutherstadt-Wittenberg
Visiting Wittenberg Castle...Stadkirche St. Marien...Luther House...sleeping in hostel above Wittenberg Castle...Melanchthon House...Jewish Memorial.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

I took the train (on a German rail pass) from Berlin...1 1/2 hour trip. At the train station it's a 10 minute walk to downtown Lutherstadt-Wittenberg. The best way to get around is walking.

DJH HostelBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

This fine hostel is located on the top floor of the Wittenberg Castle...entrance is located in the back of the Castle. It was a thrill for me to stay here...I''ve never slept in a castle before and to sleep in the Wittenberg Castle where Martin Luther spent so much time teaching, was beyond my wildest expectations.

This is a very comfortable place to stay...rooms are pleasant with kitchen facilities and a small reading room. The hostel is centrally located and has room for storage of backpacks and bikes. Lodging cost me $10 A night. The hostel was very crowded but I was given a bed without advanced reservations.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by unorthodox traveler on January 11, 2001

DJH Hostel
Whittenberg Castle Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany
403-255

Wittenberg KartoffelhausBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

There are many good places to eat along Collegienstrasse...the main street leading to the Wittenberg Castle. I sampled a number of places during my two day stay in this city. I especially remember the Wittenberg Kartoffelhaus for its delicious German snacks and their salads. In the back of this restaurant is a neat bar where you can have a beer, relax, and meet other travelers/local people. This is a good place to connect with others.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by unorthodox traveler on January 11, 2001

Wittenberg Kartoffelhaus
Collegienstrasse Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany
412-00

Stadkirche St. MarienBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Lutherstadt-Whittenberg
As we know from history, Martin Luther fell in love with a Roman Catholic nun by the name of Katherina von Bora. She risked everything to be with Luther...not only banishmnet from the Roman Church but even death. But she really loved the guy and she left the convent, rejecting her vows. Katherina and Martin were married in the church on June 13, 1525.

According to reliable history the couple not only had a very happy marriage but raised a number of children. Within the Lutheran tradition, Luther and Katherina are considered role-models for a happy, healthy family life.

The interior of this church has a large altar piece which was completed in 1547. It shows Luther, Melanchthon, and other Reformation figures. The octagonal bronze baptismal font is quite unique. The church altar itself is painted on two sides...on the back is a representation of heaven and hell. Medieval students cut their initials and the date into the heaven section IF they passed their exams...if they failed their names ended up in the hell section.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by unorthodox traveler on January 11, 2001

Stadkirche St. Marien
Collegienstrasse Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany

Luther HouseBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Lutherstadt-Wittenberg
The Lutherhaus is now a museum devoted to Reformation history but back before Luther arrived on the scene in was an Augustinian Monastery. Luther lived in this monastery while teaching at Whittenberg University. Following the Reformation, this monastery dissolved and eventually became Luther's private home. It was here where Martin and Katherina lived and raised their family. It was here where Luther died.

The house contains an original room furnished by Luther in 1535 and a copy of the papal bull threatening his excommunication from the Roman Catholic Church.

If you have an interest in Church history, you will find this museum very interesting.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by unorthodox traveler on January 11, 2001

Luther House
Collegienstrasse Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany

Whittenberg CastleBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Whittenberg Castle (1499)"

Lutherstadt-Whittenberg
This is the place where Martin Luther, according to tradition, nailed his 95 Theses on the door in 1517. The original door was destroyed by fire in 1760 and has been replaced by a bronze memorial, built in 1858...inscribed with the theses in Latin. Luther is buried below the pulpit in the castle chapel.

As we know from church history, Luther's Theses questioned the Roman practices of that time, especially for the selling of indulgences to forgive sins, giving the buyer, with enough money, reduced time in purgatory for past sins. He also opposed the Roman law forbidding the clergy to marry. He rejected anything that obstructed a person's personal relationship to Christ.

Tradition is strong that Luther nailed these 95 theses on the door to the castle which was the place where public notices were posted. However, there are many scholars who refute this tradition, claiming that Luther would not have taken this approach to his protest. There is no absolute proof that he actually did nail these documents to the door. However, it makes for an interesting story.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by unorthodox traveler on January 11, 2001

Whittenberg Castle
Collegienstrasse Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany

Jewish MemorialBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Church of St. Marien
Apart from the Luther historical places, the most disturbing experience I had was when I walked behind St. Marien Church and discovered an outrageous symbol of early German anti-semitism.

In 1304, to celebrate the first known expulsion of Jews from Wittenberg, the town leaders inscribed on the church facade (which is still visible) a German interpretation of the holy Hebrew words for God, partially covered by drawings of pigs...placed there apparently to mock those holy words. The really sad thing is that although this church has been rennovated many times over the centuries, this racist statement remains.

Below this outrage, placed by the local community, in 1988, is a memorial to persecuted Jews and those murdered by the Holocaust. In Hebrew and German you can read these words from Psalm 130: "Out of the depths I cry unto you, O Lord". The plaque has a representation of boiling water beneath a cross to indicate guilt and reconciliation. Nearby grows a cedar tree, donated by the Children of Israel.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by unorthodox traveler on January 11, 2001

Jewish Memorial
Back of Saint Marien Church Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany

About the Writer

unorthodox traveler
unorthodox traveler
Norway, Maine

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