Detailaufnahme der Türme der Stadtkirche

History of the city church

The mother church of the Reformation

The first documented mention of the church dates back to 1187, but the church gained its greatest fame through Martin Luther and Johannes Bugenhagen, who both preached in the church at the time of the Reformation. Today, you can see Martin Luther's original preaching pulpit live on loan at the Luther House. Experience the breath of history within the historic walls of the town church, which in 1521 was the scene of the first Holy Mass held in German and the first communion with bread and wine. A short time later, in 1525, the church was also the scene of the wedding of Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora, which is still celebrated every year with a large town festival.

Kircheninneres mit Cranachaltar
©Wittenberg Kultur e.V.

The nave

Discover works of art of the Reformation

Be captivated by the historic walls of the Wittenberg City Church. Inside the church you will find, among other things, the impressive Reformation altar by Lucas Cranach the Elder and Lucas Cranach the Younger. On the display side you will find a detailed painting of the Last Supper with Martin Luther as one of the disciples. Philipp Melanchthon and Johannes Bugenhagen have also been immortalized on the altar. In addition, you will find an ornately decorated baptismal font by Hermann Vischer, the oldest exhibit in the church.

Gedenkplatte zum Mahnmal "Die Judensau"
©Wittenberg Kultur e.V.

Memorial "The Jew Sow"

On the southern outer wall of the church is a very different piece of history. The pictorial representation of the sow of the Jews, as it was common in the High Middle Ages, is today intended as a memorial against anti-Semitism. At the time of its creation, such "paintings" were often emblazoned on churches and were meant to mock Jews. In 1988, the Stadtkirche congregation placed a memorial plaque beneath the "Jew's sow" to remind people of the historical consequences of hatred of Jews.

Impressions

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More information

Opening hours

January - February
Monday - Thursday: Closed
Friday - Saturday: 12.00 - 16.00
Sunday: 12.30 - 16.00

March - 10 April
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Saturday: 11.00 - 16.00
Sunday: 12.30 - 16.00

11 April - October
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Saturday: 11.00 - 17.00
Sunday: 12.30 - 17.00

November - December
Monday- Friday: 12.15 - 16.00
Saturday: 12.00 - 16.00
Sunday: 12.30 - 16.00

Prices

In the context of tourist visits, the city church charges a maintenance fee. This does not apply to acts of worship or official church, church or cultural events. With the entrance fee the visitors receive a printed short guide of the church.

Adults: 2,00 €
Reduced: 1,00 € (Children and teenagers have free admission.)

Combi-ticket Schlosskirche & Stadtkirche: 3,50 € per person

Accessibility

The City Church of St. Mary in Wittenberg can be visited barrier-free.

Church services

Services are held every Sunday at 11:00 am in the City Church. Monday through Friday there is also a noon prayer service from 12:00-12:15.

Church tours

Public tours of the church are held every Friday and Saturday at 2:00 pm.

Organ music for the end of the week

During the approx. 30-minute organ music at the end of the week, you can listen to the sound of the Sauer organ from 1983.

Easter - October & in Advent: always on Fridays

Wittenberg English Ministry

Between May and the end of October, international pastors hold English-language services in the Castle Church, City Church and Chapel, attracting people from all over the world. The pastors come from the USA, Canada and Australia and give tourists from all over the world the opportunity to pursue their faith in the birthplace of the Reformation.
The pastors assist the Tourist Information staff in advising English-speaking guests and always have an open ear for anyone who wants to talk about faith, life or problems. 

More information can be found directly on the  Wittenberg English Ministry website.