Stadtkirche Wittenberg, also known by its original name Stadt- und Pfarrkirche St. Marien, stands as a beacon of history and faith in the heart of Lutherstadt Wittenberg, in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. This remarkable church is not just a place of worship but a symbol of the Protestant Reformation, with deep ties to Martin Luther and Johannes Bugenhagen, two of the Reformation’s most influential figures.
The origins of Stadtkirche Wittenberg date back to 1187 when it was first mentioned in historical records. Initially, it was a modest wooden church under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Brandenburg. By around 1280, the church began to take on a more permanent form with the construction of the current chancel and its southern aisle. The period between 1412 and 1439 saw significant transformations, including the replacement of the nave with the present three-aisled hall and the erection of the towers, which were originally capped with stone pyramids.
The church's most dramatic historical moment came in 1522 during the iconoclastic riots led by Andreas Bodenstein, which resulted in the near-total destruction of its interior. This event prompted Martin Luther to return from Wartburg Castle to Wittenberg, where he delivered his famous Invocavit Sermons, advocating for moderation and the peaceful spread of Reformation ideas.
In the aftermath of the Schmalkaldic War in 1547, the wooden pyramids atop the towers were removed to create platforms for cannons. By 1556, these platforms had been replaced with the octagonal domes that crown the towers today, complete with a clock and a tower keeper's residence, which was inhabited until 1945. Over the centuries, the church underwent various renovations, including a significant Neo-Gothic redesign in 1811 by architect Carlo Ignazio Pozzi, and more recent restorations in preparation for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017.
One of the most captivating features of Stadtkirche Wittenberg is its altar, known as the Reformation Altar, painted by Lucas Cranach the Elder and his son, Lucas Cranach the Younger. Completed in 1547, this masterpiece vividly depicts key moments of Christian faith and Reformation theology. The central panel portrays the Last Supper, with Martin Luther depicted as one of the apostles. The predella shows Luther preaching to the Wittenberg congregation, emphasizing the centrality of Christ's sacrifice. The left panel features Philip Melanchthon baptizing a child, while the right panel includes Johannes Bugenhagen among other figures.
Another notable artwork is the epitaph for Paul Eber, which includes the painting The Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord by Lucas Cranach the Younger. This piece is a profound representation of the Christian ethos of labor and reward.
On the southern exterior wall of the church, visitors will find a somber reminder of the darker aspects of medieval history: a Judensau relief, a derogatory depiction of Jews that was unfortunately common in the Middle Ages. In 1988, a commemorative plaque was installed beneath this relief to acknowledge and educate about the historical consequences of anti-Semitism. Legal rulings in recent years have allowed the relief to remain as part of a broader effort to remember and learn from the past.
The church's organ, built in 1983 by the Sauer Organ Company, incorporates elements from previous instruments, including the central field of the 1811 organ and some registers from the 1928 organ. This impressive instrument boasts 53 registers across three manuals and a pedal, with a modern combination system that allows for 4,000 settings and a fixed roll. The organ's blend of mechanical and electrical action makes it a unique and versatile instrument for both liturgical and concert use.
Additionally, the church's bells have been meticulously restored. The bell frame in the south tower, along with the Marienglocke and Sonntagsglocke, were refurbished in the early 2000s, and a new bell, the Orate-Glocke, was cast during this period.
Stadtkirche Wittenberg continues to serve as a vibrant center of worship and community life. The church's affiliation with the University of Wittenberg, where many of its pastors also served as leading theologians, underscores its historical and educational significance. Today, the church remains a testament to the enduring impact of the Reformation and a cherished landmark in Lutherstadt Wittenberg.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to Stadtkirche Wittenberg offers a rich and inspiring journey through the past and present of this remarkable church. Its walls and towers not only tell the story of a city and a movement but also echo the timeless message of faith, resilience, and renewal.
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