Wittenberg: The Cradle of the Reformation

Tucked away in a small town just southwest of Berlin, Germany, stands one of the most history-shaking towns of Western civilisation. It’s small and unassuming (you may feel like you’ve made a wrong turn or left too soon from the train). But this was the location where the Reformation really took off. In the early 1500’s a young monk named Martin Luther was living here. Tending to the poor and preaching at the local church, he began to reject some traditional Catholic teachings and repudiated some of its intentions. On 31 October 1517, he posted his famous 95 Theses on the door of Castle Church here in Wittenberg. Little did he know that he would be changing world history and the way we think of Christianity forever.

After attempted forcing's to recant and go away in silence, he refused and questioned the authority of the Catholic church. At the time, the illegal selling of indulgences, greed and power of the Catholic church, and overall corruption needed to be stopped. He did not intend on starting a revolution, but rather putting the Catholic church back in its place. Additionally, Luther rejected the notion that only those in authority could read the Bible and it was not for the common person to read. Therefore, Luther translated the very first Bible into German. Anybody could read the Bible in their native language.

Many wars broke out over Luthur’s reformation. Countless people died for one side or the other, with thousands of innocent people between. One would not think in this quiet, quaint town that this would be the place that would start all of it. Even today in our culture, we are shaped by the very rippling effects of this event.

As you wander around Wittenberg, you can see Leucore University where Martin Luther studied and taught, Castle Church where Luther preached and posted his 95 Theses, and the original home where the Luther family lived. If you’re done with history, there are countless shops and restaurants around the area where you can unwind and dine. There are many parks and creeks in and around the town that make Wittenberg perfect for a nice Spring picnic if you’re looking for a sweet spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of Berlin.

Whether you’re a Protestant, Catholic, agnostic, atheist, or whatever, you are always welcomed here in Wittenberg.