During the 16th century, Wittenberg (not to be confused with Wittenberge we visited on day 5) attained great importance as one of the most influential German centers of political, cultural and artistic endeavors. Today it is officially called Lutherstadt Wittenberg and has a population of about 50,000.
The Castle Church was a new church when Martin Luther arrived in Wittenburg. Only eight years after its completion, on October 31, 1517, he posted his 95 Theses against the selling of indulgences on the door of this church.
This is the famous door where Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses. Luther posted the theses in Latin and intended to start an academic debate. However, they were translated into German, quickly copied using the newly-invented movable type printing press, and wound up sparking the Protestant Reformation.
The Luther House was built as a monastery in 1504. Martin Luther lived here since his arrival in Wittenberg in September 1508, at first as a monk, then from 1525 with his family. In 1883 the house was opened as a museum.
The Ten-Commandments-Table by Lucas Cranach is one of the important exhibits in the museum. Cranach was a German Renaissance painter.and a close friend of Martin Luther. Since many people could not read during the 16th century, Cranach illustrated each of the commandments in this painting.
This afternoon we had a home visit and coffee klatch with our host, Christina. We had a wonderful time as she shared stories of life when Wittenburg was part of the GDR. Christina is currently an English teacher and hopes to retire in 4 years and travel.
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