8 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Lutherstadt Wittenberg

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The beautiful old university town of Wittenberg, famous as the birthplace of Martin Luther’s Reformation, lies on the north bank of the River Elbe in the southern foothills of the Fläming Mountains. A number of important sites in the city are linked to Luther, including the old Augustinian Monastery – now known as Luther House – where he briefly served as a monk and later lived. Today, Wittenberg is a delightful city to explore and a city with some excellent cultural sights and events, including a first-class professional theater and open-air theatrical and musical performances.

1 Lutherhaus Museum

Lutherhaus Museum Allan Gray / photo modified

Lutherhaus, where Martin Luther lived from 1508 to 1546, was built in 1504 as a house of Augustinian hermits and soon after became the reformer’s home. It was altered between 1844 and 1900 when it was converted into a museum dedicated to the Reformation. In a room once occupied by Luther, preserved in its original state, there are displays of Luther’s writings and prints, medals, his universe, his pulpit of St. Mary’s Churchand a number of valuable paintings. Guided tours are available (advance booking recommended). Also interesting is the adjacent Augusteumbuilt in 1583 and originally part of the university.

2 The Marktplatz

Wittenberg’s old market square, the Marktplatz, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 and is home to important historic buildings and tourist attractions. One of the most interesting is the handsome City Hall (Rathaus), built in 1540 and notable for its four Renaissance facades, late Gothic windows, the 16th century balcony over the entrance, as well as its rich decoration, including allegorical figures and columns and a statue of the goddess Justitia with scales and sword. Immediately adjacent to the town hall are the Market fountain from 1617 and early 19th century bronze statues of Martin Luther and fellow reformer, Philip Melancthon.

3 Parish Church of St. Mary

The oldest building in Wittenberg is the Gothic parish church of St. Maria (Stadtkirche St. Marien). Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, the church is famous around the world as the place where Luther often preached. Notable features are the church’s double octagonal towers, built in 1558 in Renaissance style, and the winged altar from 1547 designed by Lucas Cranach the Elder. Also interesting is the richly decorated font from 1457; an organ noted for its fine tone; a number of paintings by Cranach; and Renaissance epitaphs and tombs, including that of the reformer Johann Bugenhagen who died here in 1558. Guided tours are available. Also interesting is the adjacent Chapel of the Holy Body (Kapelle zum Heiligen Leichnam), built in 1377 in a brick Gothic style and notable for its strikingly slender tower.

Address: Kirchplatz, 06886 Lutherstadt Wittenberg

4 The castle church

The beautiful late Gothic Schlosskirche, built in 1500 as All Saints Church, is now better known as the Reformation Memorial Church due to its links with Martin Luther. It was in front of the church’s original wooden doors that Luther nailed his famous one theses in 1517. Although the original doors were destroyed during the Seven Years’ War, the current bronze replacements, installed in 1858, bear their Latin text. Inside are life-size alabaster statues of Electors Frederick the Wise and John the Constant of Saxe-Wittenberg, the tombs of Luther and Melanchthon, and the Early Renaissance monument of Elector Frederick III from 1527. On the columns of the nave are life-size figures of Luther , Melancthon and other reformers. Be sure to visit the church’s unusual round tower with its sweeping views over the city. Access is only possible via guided tours, available at the Information Center.

Address: Wilhelm-Weber-Straße 1a, 06886 Lutherstadt Wittenberg

Official site: www.schlosskirche-wittenberg.de/index.php?url=%2Fschlosskirche%2Findex&state=page&action=default&lang=eng

5 Melanchthon House

Melanchthon House paula soler-moya / photo modified

Not far away from Luther House is Melanchthon House. Built in 1536, the three-story building with its late Gothic windows and Renaissance facades was home to Philip Melancthon, also a reformer. Melanchthon lived, worked and died here (1560), and the house is now a memorial museum. A highlight of a visit is the beautiful 16th century garden with pump, stone table, herb garden and ancient yew trees, all surrounded by a section of the old city walls. Other highlights include documents and artifacts once owned by Melanchthon, as well as a large portrait of him by Lucas Cranach the Younger.

Address: Collegienstrasse 60, 06886 Lutherstadt Wittenberg

6 Cranach House

Cranach House John Menard / photo modified

Cranach House was home to the famous German artist Lucas Cranach the Elder, who lived in Wittenberg from 1505 to 1547. As court painter to the Elector of Saxony, he also became mayor of Wittenberg and owner of a pharmacy in the city. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished 16th-century artists, he was responsible for painting portraits of many figures associated with the Reformation, as well as local aristocrats. Now a museum, this well-preserved medieval house and its studio have numerous artifacts regarding Cranach’s career. The courtyards around the house are also worth exploring and include quaint shops and a café.

Address: Marktplatz 4, 06886 Lutherstadt, Wittenberg

7 The estate of Piesteritz employees

Wittenberg offers a variety of interesting more recent architectural styles, particularly fine examples from the 20th century. One of the highlights of a walking tour of the city’s architecture is Piesteritz, a residential area built in 1916 to house workers from the industrial areas. Another notable piece of architecture is the brightly colored Dr. Seuss-esque style Hundertwasserschuleredesigned and renovated by famous Austrian artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, in 1999. The school has an interesting visitor center with details about the building’s history, along with information about the artist.

Address: Schillerstraße 22a, 06886 Lutherstadt Wittenberg

8 Museum of city history

It is located south of the Schlosskirche Schloss, the old electoral hall dating from 1525 and now home to the Museum of City History. Highlights include exhibitions on the development of the city, as well as historical archives and an impressive collection of natural history and ethnographic artefacts from prehistory to the Middle Ages.

Address: Schlossplatz 1d 06886 Lutherstadt Wittenberg