Stadtkirche (City Church), Wittenberg 
The towers of Stadtkirche seen from Marktplatz. Photo © Debra Dinda.
Many more photos in our Wittenburg Photo Gallery.
West front.
Interior of the Stadtkirche, with Lucas Cranach's eye-catching altarpiece.
Altarpiece by Lucas Cranach the Elder, featuring Reformation figures.
Towering over Marktplatz in the center of Wittenberg is the Stadtkirche (City Church), the oldest building in the city. It is known as the "Mother Church of the Reformation," as Martin Luther did the majority of his preaching here.
History
Officially named St. Mary's Church (Marienskirche), the City Church has sections dating from the 13th century, making it the oldest structure in Wittenberg.
The choir dates to about 1300; construction on the rest continued until 1470. The distinctive octagonal turrets were added after the Reformation.
Martin Luther preached here regularly, was married in the Stadtkirche in 1525 and his six children were baptized here. The pulpit from which he preached is preserved in the Lutherhalle.
What to See
The parish church has changed quite a bit since Luther's time, but still contains a magnificent Reformation altarpiece by Lucas Cranach the Elder, depicting the Lord's Supper (look for the faces of Luther, Melanchthon and other Reformation figures), Baptism and Confession.
Cranach was Bürgermeister (mayor) of Wittenberg, a friend to Luther, and one of the most notable Reformation artists. More of his work can be seen in the Lutherhalle and elsewhere. Also notable is the font by Hermann Vischer (1457) that saw the baptisms of Luther's children.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Stadtkirche; City Church; Marienskirche; St. Mary's Church; Stadtkirche St Marien; City Church of St. Mary; "Mother Church of the Reformation" |
| Type of site: | Parish church |
| Faith: | Lutheran |
| Date: | 13th century and later |
| Address: | Judenstrasse 35, Wittenberg, Germany |
| Phone: | 03491/403201 |
| Hours: | November to April, Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 11:30am to 4pm; May to October, Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 11:30am to 5pm |
| Cost: | Free |
Location Map
Location map and satellite view of the Stadtkirche in Wittenberg. 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.
