Facts and Data
Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Stiftung Luthergedenkstätten in Sachsen-Anhalt (in German)
UNESCO Commission of Germany
Luthergedenkstätten in Eisleben und Wittenberg (Deutsche UNESCO- Kommission)(german only)
Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1996
Size of heritage:
Coordinates:
Longitude: 12,653°
Latitude: 51,865°
Summary
These places in Saxony-Anhalt are all associated with the lives of Martin Luther and his fellow-reformer Melanchthon. They include Melanchthon's house in Wittenberg, the houses in Eisleben where Luther was born in 1483 and died in 1546, his room in Wittenberg, the local church and the castle church where, on 31 October 1517, Luther posted his famous '95 Theses', which launched the Reformation and a new era in the religious and political history of the Western world.
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Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg
The Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg are UNESCO World Heritage sites located in the states of Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia in Germany. These sites commemorate the life and work of Martin Luther, the influential theologian and key figure in the Protestant Reformation during the 16th century.
History
Martin Luther was born in Eisleben in 1483 and spent his early years there. He later moved to Wittenberg, where he became a professor of theology at the University of Wittenberg. It was in Wittenberg that Luther famously nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in 1517, sparking the Reformation movement.
The Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg consist of several significant sites associated with Luther's life and work. In Eisleben, visitors can explore Luther's Birth House, where he was born, and Luther's Death House, where he died in 1546. These buildings have been preserved and transformed into museums, offering insights into Luther's upbringing and his final days.
In Wittenberg, the Luther Memorials include the Castle Church, where Luther's Ninety-Five Theses were posted, and the Luther House, where he lived with his family. The Castle Church is a magnificent example of late Gothic architecture and is known for its famous door, which has become a symbol of the Reformation. The Luther House is now a museum that showcases Luther's life and the impact of his teachings.
Current State
The Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg are meticulously maintained and attract thousands of visitors each year. These sites provide a unique opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Martin Luther and the Reformation movement.
Visitors to Luther's Birth House in Eisleben can explore the rooms where Luther spent his early years and learn about the social and religious context of the time. The museum displays a collection of artifacts, including Luther's baptismal font and a replica of his parents' bedroom. The Death House museum in Eisleben offers a glimpse into Luther's final days and the events surrounding his death.
In Wittenberg, the Castle Church remains an active place of worship and is open to visitors. The church's interior features beautiful stained glass windows and intricate woodwork. The Luther House museum in Wittenberg provides a comprehensive overview of Luther's life, his theological writings, and the impact of the Reformation on society and culture.
Both Eisleben and Wittenberg host annual events and festivals to celebrate Luther and the Reformation. These events include religious services, concerts, and historical reenactments. The Luther Memorials continue to be important pilgrimage sites for Protestants and scholars interested in the history of the Reformation.
The Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg are not only significant for their historical and religious importance but also for their architectural and cultural value. These sites offer a unique opportunity to explore the life and teachings of Martin Luther and to understand the profound impact he had on the religious landscape of Europe.
Hotels and places to stay
Alte Canzley Nichtraucherhotel
Best Western Stadtpalais Wittenberg
Acron
Luther-Hotel
Am Schwanenteich Hotel-Pension
Brauhaus Wittenberg
Alabama Pension
Ringhotel Schwarzer Baer
Brückenkopf Hotel
Hostel Wittenberg
Videos from the area
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