2023-08-25 08:19:00
The German church reformer Martin Luther was born in Eisleben and spent most of his life in Wittenberg, but there is another city with which this religious leader is closely associated.
City and castle
Wartburg and Eisenach in the engraving of Matthäus Merian the ElderPhoto: picture-alliance/akg-images
So this city – Eisenach – was seen by the famous Swiss publisher and engraver of the 17th century, Matthäus Merian the Elder. By that time, it had long become a place of pilgrimage for numerous Protestant Lutherans from all over Germany.
Wartburg
WartburgPhoto: Andre Nestler
Towering over Eisenach is the Wartburg Castle, which has a history of almost a thousand years. In 1999, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was here that in 1521-1522 Martin Luther worked on the translation of the New Testament into German. According to the castle, in terms of the number of visitors, it now ranks first in Germany among the memorable places associated with the history of the German Reformation.
Luther’s room
Luther’s room at Wartburg CastlePhoto: picture-alliance/dpa/M. Schutt
It took Luther eleven weeks to translate the New Testament. He used Greek texts. Many visitors to the Wartburg are trying to find a stain in Luther’s small room, allegedly left on the wall after he threw an inkwell at the devil, who leaned out from behind the stove. In vain. There is no stain, as well as historical evidence to confirm this legend.
“Luther and the Germans”
Painting by Egbert II van Heemskerk “Luther in Hell”Photo: Internationales Museum der Reformation, Genf
In 2017, the Wartburg was the venue for the nationwide exhibition “Luther and the Germans”, dedicated to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in Germany – the influence of Protestant doctrine on social, cultural and political life in different historical eras. This painting from the early 18th century, which could be seen in the Wartburg, depicts Luther descending into the underworld.
Luther’s wagon
WartburgPhoto: picture alliance/dpa-Zentralbild/M. Schutt
One of the exhibits of the exhibition was also a reconstruction of the wagon, on which Luther once traveled around Germany, preaching his doctrine. The castle is located high above the city. If you go upstairs on foot, it will take about half an hour. On the way, you can combine pleasant and useful – a walk and reading Luther’s quotes on stands along the path – not only from theological works, but also from table speeches and everyday life.
In the footsteps of Luther
The city of Lich in Hesse on the route “Luther’s Way 1521” – “Lutherweg 1521″Photo: picture-alliance/dpa/F. Rumpenh
For lovers of longer hikes in Germany, various hiking and cycling routes have been laid in the footsteps of Luther. Among them is a 400-kilometer path Lutherweg 1521, according to which in 1521 he returned home to Wittenberg from Worms, where he was called to the Reichstag. In Eisenach, through which it passes, signs with a special barcode for mobile phones are installed near memorial sites.
House of Luther
Luther House in Eisenach Photo: picture alliance/dpa/M.Schutt
The “Luther House” in Eisenach is one of the oldest half-timbered buildings in Thuringia. The permanent exhibition “Luther and the Bible” is located here. The house belonged to the family of Konrad and Ursula Kotta, with whom the future founder of the German Reformation lived in 1498-1501, attending a Latin school here. In gratitude for the shelter and table, he helped the son of the then burgomaster of the city in studying school subjects.
Monument to Luther
Monument to Luther in EisenachPhoto: picture-alliance/dpa/M. Reichel
This bronze monument was erected in Eisenach on Karlsplatz in 1895. The reliefs on the pedestal depict scenes from the life of a church reformer, such as Martin Luther, working in the Wartburg on the translation of the New Testament.
Luther and Bach
Bach House MuseumPhoto: picture alliance/dpa/M. Schutt
Eisenach is not only the city of Martin Luther, but also the city of Johann Sebastian Bach. Luther studied and preached here, and Bach was born, but in a different era, that is, they lived in different times. However, Luther’s ideas were reflected in the music of the great composer. This topic was the focus of a special exhibition at the Bach House Museum, prepared for the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
Temple of St. George
Church of St. George in EisenachPhoto: picture-alliance/dpa/JP. Kasper
We will finish our walk through the Lutheran places of Eisenach near the Church of St. George on the Market Square. The young Martin Luther sang in the church choir here, and in 1521 delivered sermons on the way from Wittenberg to the Diet of Worms and back. You can find out about what Luther did in Worms at the link “Memorial in Worms – the largest monument of the Reformation in the world.”
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