Sunday August 17, 2008

 

 

Brethren Heritage Tour

Tuesday afternoon, July 29, and Wednesday morning, July 30

 

Featuring

Wittenberg

 

Wittenberg (officially named Lutherstadt Wittenberg) is the German city most associated with Martin Luther (1483-1546), leader of the German Reformation.

 

 

 We enjoyed visiting this pretty city, with narrow streets…

 

 

 …many lined with shops and restaurants.

 

 

 The city is full of history – especially concerning the Reformation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Castle Church (Schlosskirche)
On the door of this church, in 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses against the sale of indulgences – and launched the Reformation.

 

 

 

 The church contains the tombs of Luther, Melanchthon and Frederick the Wise.

 

 

 

 

 City Church (Stadtkirche St Marien)
In this twin-towered Gothic church, Luther preached the Reformation, was married (1525) and baptized his six children. Cranach’s huge Reformation altarpiece features scenes of Christ and Luther.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I liked this memorial.  History can never be covered – as it will always bubble up somewhere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Lutherhalle (Luther House & Museum)
The house where Luther and his family lived is well-preserved and full of Reformation relics, including Luther’s desk, his pulpit, and first editions of his books.

 

 

 It was here that we met Katharina Von Bora – wife of Martin Luther.

 

 Katharina became Martin Luther’s wife after escaping from a convent with eleven other nuns. She was a devoted wife to Luther, who referred to her as “my lord Katie” and together they had six children, four of whom lived to be adults.

 

She was a wonderful manager of the household, despite limited funds and a large number of guests. She grew vegetables, bought a farm to raise cattle and chickens and brewed beer.  

 

 

 Their living quarters.

 

 

 The twin towers of City Church is a beautiful sight at night .  This photo was taken from our motel window.