Wittenberg

Our week in Berlin for the annual leader's meeting was topped off by a day trip to Wittenberg. I figured this trip warranted its own post. We took an hour long train ride to the birth place of the Protestant Reformation and home of Martin Luther. It was in Wittenberg where Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church doors on October 31, 1517.

Another bucket list visit in the books for Jonathan.

The quaint little town is gearing up to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in October. However, a steady stream of visitors over the course of 2017 is already in progress and thankfully not everything was under renovation.

Town well with original and still working oak pipe system

We began our visit with a 2-hour guided tour of the city before being left to explore on our own. It was a very relaxing day visiting museums without having anyone ask for food or drink or complain about being tired or bored. Don't get me wrong, I love my kiddos and I love traveling with them for sure, but it was definitely a visit in which we were allowed to linger and soak in the experience without distraction.

Philip Melanchthon's House
Luther's close friend and fellow theologian, who contributed enormously to Lutheran doctrine and the Reformation.

Melanchthon's living and study room 

His bed where he died

Wittenberg University

Attached to the Melanchthon house. The University was established in 1502 by the elector Frederick the Wise. Luther and Melanchthon both taught here.

Entrance to the University

Town Church (Stadtkirche)
Where Luther preached and was married.

Inside Town Church

Pulpit from where he preached

Altar piece painting by famous painter, Lucas Cranach, also an elder of the church

Market Square

Statue of Luther in Market Square

Castle Church
The actual church where Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church doors. Today it definitely has the ode to Luther memorial feel to it. It is also the burial place of Luther, Melanchthon and others.

Church tower 

Church Entrance

The original wood doors have now been replaced with bronze doors engraved with the 95 Theses.

Cedarville University Alumni
Go Jackets!

Inside Castle Church

Martin Luther's Grave

 Martin Luther and wife, Katharina von Bora's Home

Although little of the former monastery and home to the Luther family is left in its original state, it is now a fantastic museum that is well worth the visit.

Chest used to collect money for indulgences

Luther's pulpit used for preaching

Luther's library of first editions and other fascinating works

"In this tower the Holy Spirit revealed Scripture to me." Martin Luther, 1532
(Sealed stairwell that went to the tower)

Luther's last robe

The 95 Theses

Original living area where evening conversations were held with family and friends. Luther's students took notes and later published these conversations called "Table Talk".

If this table could talk...

Original furnishings and decor

We just couldn't resist this photo op

Thanks for bearing with me on these delayed posts. Stay tuned for more Reformation noteworthy sights as we take advantage of living in Europe and celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation.