Schlosskirche (Castle Church), Wittenberg 
The Castle Church (left) and what remains of the castle (right).
For many more photos, see our Wittenberg Photo Gallery
View of the Schlosskirche from the southeast.
The Castle Church doors inscribed with the 95 Theses..
Panoramic view of interior, looking east.
Choir of the Castle Church, with the tombs of Melanchton and Luther.
Tomb of Martin Luther.
Epitaph on the tomb of Martin Luther.
Epitaph on the tomb of Philipp Melanchthon.
19th-century stained glass window celebrating the Reformation.
Wittenberg's All Saints' Church, more commonly known as the Schlosskirche (Castle Church), is where Luther famously nailed his 95 Theses on October 31, 1517. The church contains the tombs of Luther, Melanchthon and Frederick the Wise.
History
The Schlosskirche dates from the 15th century and is Late Gothic in design. Famously, on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses against the corrupt sale of indulgences by the Catholic Church.
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 German Reformation.
Luther usually preached in the City Church rather than here, but his funeral was held at the Castle Church. Philipp Melanchthon delivered the oration at the funeral on February 22, 1546, four days after Luther's death in Eisleben.
Both Luther and Melanchthon (who died in 1560) were buried in simple tombs in the Castle Church.
The Castle Church was seriously damaged by fire in 1760 after a French bombardment during the Seven Years War. The church was quickly rebuilt, and later (1885-1892) further restored.
What to See
Sadly, the original wooden doors to which Luther posted his theses were among the casualties of the 1760 destruction. But to commemorate the 375th anniversary of Luther's birth in 1858, they were replaced with bronze doors that bear the Latin text of the 95 Theses.
Around the prominent round tower of the church is a band reading "Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott" - the title of Luther's famous hymn, A Mighty Fortress is Our God.
Inside the colorfully-decorated church are the simple tombs of Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon. Melanchthon's grave reads in Latin: "Here rests the body of the most commendable Philipp Melanchthon, who died on 19 April 1560, in this town after he had lived for 63 years 2 months and 2 days."There are also monuments to the electors Frederick the Wise (by Peter Vischer the elder), and John the Constant (by Hans Vischer).
There are also countless portraits of the reformers and other local heroes by Lucas Cranach the Younger and others.
You can climb the Castle Church's stout tower for a view over the city.
The Schlosskirche is part of the Residenzschloss, a once grand Renaissance palace that is now only a shadow of its former self after centuries of fire and war. Today, it houses a youth hostel with enviable ambience, accessed via a unique external staircase in the western wing.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Schlosskirche; Schloßkirche; Castle Church; All Saints' Church |
| Faith: | Lutheran |
| Date: | 15th century |
| Architecture: | Late Gothic |
| Location: | Friedrichstrasse 1a, Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany |
| Phone: | 03491/402585 (Wittenberg tourist office: 03491/498610) |
| Hours: | November to April, Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm, and Sunday 11:30am to 4pm; May to October, it's open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, and Sunday 11:30am to 5pm |
| Services: | Sunday at 10am and Wednesday at noon |
| Concerts: | Free 30-minute organ concert every Tuesday at 2:30pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Tour: | a brief audio guided tour, conducted in either German or English, costs 7€ |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of the Castle Church. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Wittenberg Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Sources
- Personal visit (March 9, 2008).
- Castle Church – Lutherstadt Wittenberg official website
Related Travel Resources
- Wittenberg Travel Forum - TripAdvisor
- Wittenberg Hotel Reviews - TripAdvisor
