The Light

Just an hour train ride away lies the small town of Wittenburg, pronounced "Vittenburg". On this one-road town lie several singular buildings marking the life and times of Martin Luther. The man who jolted the Reformation to a start in 1517 with his 95 Theses, lived and died in this small town. At one end lies his home and on the opposite end is the Castle Church where Frederick the Wise worshipped. Let us start the tour!
Martin Luther's home entrance is framed by two stone "benches or stools" with two circle coverings holding a likeness of Luther on the left and the flower of Katherine von Bora on the right. Here the couple sat as the townsfolks came by and chatted. Within the house lies a treasure trove of original personal belongings and original publishings of Martin Luther. A Vulgate Bible with his notes in red ink is visible along with his multiple sermons. His "upper room" where he talked with students remains as it was with the exception of a stove installed in his honor later on. It was thrilling to stand in this room and observe the woodwork and painting on the walls.
Down the street is Lucas Cranach's home, the artist responsible for many likeness of Luther. He was so close to him that he knew he'd been captured and not killed when Frederick the Wise captured him and enclosed him in the castle to protect his life.
The University where Luther taught and developed his thinking still stands and functions as a location to learn the German language.
Luther's church, the common people's church, stands between the town plaza and his home. It has two tall steeples (as pictured) and is a dull brown and grey rock structure. Inside are unique paintings with "lutheran" figures who stand starkly different to other figures depicted in those days of Catholic people. There is a huge alterpiece painting in the front. It is really quite large with about four rows of pews wide!
to be continued....