Memorial sites for Luther in the cities of Eisleben and Wittenberg. Germany. Wittenberg: town on the Elbe Town Hall Wittenberg

I spent the entire last winter on numerous trips. Among other things, I had a chance to visit several small but rather interesting towns in eastern Germany. Everyone knows hipster Berlin, museum Dresden, Oktoberfest Munich and port Hamburg. Who has heard of mustard Bautzen or sewing machine Wittenberg?

In several reports I will try to introduce you to them in a not too boring way. To do this, I will use the proven method of large color pictures. Today we will talk about Prussian Podolsk, almost forgotten even by the Germans - Wittenberge.

The mentioned settlement is located on the banks of the Elbe in the administrative region of Prignitz in the state of Brandenburg, approximately one hundred and fifty kilometers northwest of Berlin. The population is slightly less than twenty thousand, which by local standards is already a rather large city, and has been considered such since 1300 AD.

The railway service building not far from the station is greeted by a mannequin in the window of the top floor. I suppose some resourceful employee is protecting himself from his superiors while he hangs out somewhere on his unofficial business.

Railway workers are respected here. After death, they are mummified and turned into statues of themselves.

They also like to cut out a piece of railroad tracks along with the wheels of a steam locomotive and put it aside as a souvenir.

The fence along the right of way symbolizes the unity of past and present. There is no rocket in the picture, which seems to hint.

The high-speed Sapsan Intercity Express (ICE) there on the right, by the way, is not just drawn for beauty - for reasons that are poorly understood, the morning and evening ICE Berlin-Hamburg stops here for some reason. And leisurely regional trains are carefully protected from corrosion by a thick layer of graffiti.

The city school has two ancient entrances: for boys (Knaben) and girls (Mädchen). How the adults got there is not entirely clear.

According to the stories of the natives, in the Prignitz region and especially in its regional center, the city of Perleberg, nationalist sentiments are widespread, which the remnants of progressive youth who have not yet left for the west are fighting. This struggle is reflected in rock wall inscriptions. Left: “Nazis, get out.” Further, the postscript is unconvincingly painted over: “from prison.”

Despite the significant population decline - since 2005 it has decreased by more than 10%, the city has not yet decided whether to fold or not. Some of the buildings have been painted and restored...

... part of it is abandoned and falling apart before our eyes.

Sometimes it seems like the war happened here just yesterday.

Some buildings were patched up "on the spot."

The last time I saw this approach to partial reconstruction of buildings was in Astana, back in 2000. There, however, the issue of plaster falling off facades was resolved with the help of inexpensive siding.

The features of old German urban planning mainly allow saving on finishing the side walls of houses. But even so, the Green Fairy recently went bankrupt.

There seems to be one house, but there are obviously at least three owners.

Everyone is ostracized to the best of their financial ability and imagination.

The hands of the creators did not reach the second floor.

At times, shabby looks quite harmonious.

Meanwhile, until recently, Wittenberg was a major industrial center. Now most of the infrastructure is either abandoned...

...or turned into biergartens...

... and summer cafes.

The main enterprise in the last hundred years was a large subsidiary factory of the American company Singer, opened in Wittenberg in 1904. This branch supplied sewing machines throughout Europe. In 1928, the largest free-standing clock tower on the continent was built here, modestly called BIG BENi by the aborigines. The London competitor may be twice as tall, but its dial is as much as 29 centimeters smaller! Photo copied from Wikipedia.

The city has a small, very cozy museum with a lot of interesting exhibits.

My grandmother had exactly the same one.

This musical piece has been carefully restored and will play for you for just 1€.

This weapon was used to carry out death sentences.

The city stands on the Elbe. Walking along the beautiful and not very urban embankment is one of the favorite local pastimes.

Even in winter everything looks quite nice here.

Photos were taken in early December.

You look at it and thoughts creep in to get a dacha somewhere nearby.

River observation station, if I remember correctly. Floods are not that uncommon here.

As, indeed, are beavers. They say there are countless of them in the surrounding area.

* * *

The surrounding area of ​​Wittenberg and the surrounding collective farms are also very picturesque.

A village is a village in Africa too.

The only difference is that the quality of development varies.

These houses, apparently, have been here since 1796.

This entire region is called the “land of storks.”

In winter there are no birds themselves, but there are their nests on any local building.

“Mezhzaprudye” is over, after a kilometer “Regrettably Boyster” begins.

The sky here, as elsewhere in northeast Germany, is quite low.

Many trees, from high humidity, are completely covered with moss down to the smallest branches.

Nearby lies the well-known, as it turns out, town of Bad Wilsnack.

It is famous, firstly, for its huge ancient church. It was built after a certain offended knight Heinrich von Bülow burned down the old village church in 1383. Along with the entire village.

In the ashes they found several miraculously surviving, albeit slightly charred, hosts. From the heat they became reddish-spotted, as if covered with “drops of holy blood.” And in those days they were ready to call anything less a miracle.

In general, rumor quickly attributed healing properties to this entire place.

And after the new church was built, the city became the target of one of the most famous religious processions in northern Europe
"To the Holy Blood." The old map shows a more than 100-kilometer walking route from Berlin to Bad Wilsnack.

Part of the church area is given over to the museum. Either a scale or a swing?

Bones of some prehistoric living creature.

Shackles for criminals.

* * *

On one of the neighboring collective farms, prize-winning Galloway bulls are raised. There seem to be more medals here than the entire German team at the current Olympics.

In the general store you can buy the freshest and very tasty beef relatively inexpensively.

Beef honor roll, I guess.

As I say, an ordinary general store.

Actually, the steak suppliers themselves.

At one point, such a lovely picture appeared in the sky. There is not an ounce of Photoshop in it. I am happy to leave the interpretation to your imagination.

That's probably all for today. You can traditionally find a complete photo album from this trip in

25.03.2017

Wittenberg is a paradise in Germany with a long history. But strangely enough, everything that Wittenberg is famous for, or as it is also called Lutherstadt-Wittenberg, is connected with the name and activities of Martin Luther.

Geographical location of Wittenberg

Wittenberg is located only seventy kilometers from Leipzig and one hundred kilometers from Berlin. It belongs to the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. Its territory is crossed by the Elbe River. Despite the small number of inhabitants, only about 48 thousand inhabitants, and its small size, the city has a very rich history.

Wittenberg Climate

Wittenberg is located in a temperate climate zone. The average annual temperature here is 8.7ºС. The warmest months are summer; the average daily temperature in summer is 16ºС. The coldest seasons are considered to be winter, when the average temperature ranges from -1ºС to +1ºС. During the year, only 563 mm of precipitation falls in Wittenberg.

Historical background of Wittenberg

Wittenberg has a long history. The first mention of the settlement of Flemish colonists dates back to 1180. Less than 100 years later, Wittenberg becomes the seat of the Dukes of Saxony-Wittenberg. By the end of the century, the residence received city rights and became one of the important shopping centers in Europe.

Every year Wittenberg becomes an increasingly important city for the region. Already in the 15th century it is spoken of as an important cultural and political center. At the beginning of the 16th century, the Schlosskirch church was built, its current name is the Castle Church. And at the same time, the famous thinker and reformer Martin Luther and his associate Melanchthon appeared on the historical arena of Wittenberg. It was Luther, according to legend, who posted 95 theses against indulgences on the door of the Wittenberg church.

In 1502, a university was founded in Wittenberg. Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon were invited to teach here. Unfortunately, during the time of Napoleon, the university was closed and rebuilt as a barracks.

During the wars, Wittenberg became part of the province of Saxony and Prussia. In 1922, it was decided to rename the city Lutherstadt-Wittenberg. This is the name that is currently official for the city. Fortunately, the city was virtually undamaged during World War II. It even gained a reputation as “a city that was completely unbombed.”

In 1990, with the demolition of the Berlin Wall, Wittenberg became part of the Federal Republic of Germany. The German authorities have updated and recreated the transport and tourism infrastructure of Lutherstadt Wittenberg.

Attractions in Wittenberg

The city center is essentially an open-air museum. The main attractions of the city include the Castle Church or the Church of All Saints. It was built in the period from 1496-1506. It was from the doors of this church that the Reformation began. Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Schlosskirch church. And although the church was very badly damaged during the Seven Years' War, it can still be seen today. It was restored and Luther's legendary theses were cast on the new bronze door.

Melanchthonhaus and Lutherhaus are two of the most famous landmarks in Wittenberg. They are even included in the UNESCO historical heritage list. Melanchthonhouse is a Renaissance style house in the market square, built in 1536. Luther's associate Melanchthon lived and worked in this house until his death. Today, after reinvention, this house houses a library-museum. Lutherhouse, as the name suggests, is the home of the reformer Martin Luther. Today Lutherhaus is the largest museum of the Reformation in the world.

About 1,000 exhibits will tell not only about Luther's life and work, but also about his family and his influence on history. In the museum you can find manuscripts, coins, medals, maps, letters, books, etc.

The most visited place in Wittenberg is the City Church of St. Mary. Its construction dates back to the 14th century. Martin Luther often preached in this church. On the very outskirts of the year there is another place worth a look - Luther Oak. It was planted on the spot where Luther burned the papal bull.

The university mentioned earlier can also be visited. Of course, not exactly the building that was built in the 16th century. In its place, an institution called “Leukorrhea” was opened to recreate the academic life of the city. Today it is the venue for all scientific events of a national and even international nature. Naturally, in Wittenberg, like in any other city, there is an archaeological museum. Here you can follow the history of the creation and development of the city through archaeological excavations.

Excursions from Wittenberg

Throughout the year, Wittenberg hosts various festivals and shows that are definitely worth a visit. Naturally, the most famous is the Reformation Festival. On October 31st of every year, the actors give you the opportunity to travel back in time. Dressed in 16th-century costumes, they restore the scene from 1517, when Martin Luther showed the world his theses against indulgences.

On the market square you will meet guards, artists, musicians, artisans and travelers of the Middle Ages. On top of that, this entire show is completely free. At the same time, in another part of the city there is a fair, parade and competitions for children.

Also visit the Wittenberg History Museum. You will be able to see a 700-year-old collection of exhibits related to the history of the city. Here you will discover the history of the city and its entire surroundings. There is an exhibition here with the title “Wittenberg – Prussian Fortress” and “Wittenberg Church”.

Don't forget to check out the House of History. Here you will find a journey into the 40s - 80s of the last century. In the House of History, the interior of an ordinary house during the GDR years has been recreated and there is an exhibition telling about the history of East Germany.

For lovers of natural wonders, there is also a place here - Alaris or Butterfly Park. It is rightfully considered the largest in Germany. He owns an area of ​​1000 m2. In the tropical thickets of the park you can see 140 different species of butterflies of every color and size. They are not at all afraid of visitors and boldly sit on their shoulders.

The Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve was founded in the bed of the Elbe River in 2006. You may not see such beautiful landscapes anywhere else. Wehr Litz Park, which is part of the nature reserve, is the best achievement of landscape designers in Germany. Pavilions, gazebos, ruins, lakes and flower beds - all this evokes romance and tranquility.

If you want to leave the city, you can visit Ferropolis. Huge industrial machines are collected here, which have not been in working order for a long time. By the way, the City of Iron regularly turns into a concert venue for performances by Metallica and Die Toten Hosen.

Places for entertainment and shopping in Wittenberg

As already mentioned, Wittenberg is a city that often hosts various festivals and fairs. If you want to make some purchases and also have a lot of fun, be sure to look at the calendar to accurately hit the dates of the festivals.

From June 8 to 10, the world famous festival “Luther's Wedding” is held, from August 2 to 5, the Wittenburg Wine Festival is held, from 18 to 22 – National Literary Days, from September 29-30 – Wittenburg Fair, and from November 28 to December 23 – Christmas fair. All festivals and fairs are held in the central square of the city. After all, it is the brightest, oldest and largest in Wittenberg.

Conclusion

Wittenberg is worth a visit for anyone who has ever heard of Martin Luther. After all, this city is the place of life and work of the great reformer; here, almost every street bears a reminder of the great reformer. Whatever you want, be it joy and fun, or peace and tranquility, you can find it all in Wittenberg.

The vibrant festivals of Wittenberg will not leave even the most gloomy tourist indifferent. The natural beauty of the Wittenberg area will bring tranquility and romance into your world.

Message dated 10/14/19 No. 2-2305/8638 “On a new crime committed - a violation of Article 29 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation” On October 13, 2019, another traditional walk of “Free People” took place in Moscow, the main theme of which was the unification of protest forces. Mark Halperin, starting the Open Microphone, said that they have been talking about this for 19 years, but we just can’t unite. Since the problem has not been solved, we will continue to talk about it. On October 9, 2019, there was a conference of protest forces at which they talked about unification. Recently the fifth congress of independent deputies took place and they also talked about unification. It's time to create a big protest movement. Each protest structure must unite with another protest structure so that citizens can come to a large protest movement, and not to separate groups. The first question to us, to the leaders, oppositionists, and activists is how we can unite. The participants of the “Open Microphone” talked about the need to unite in all areas - this includes the protection of political prisoners, and the protection of rights, in particular in the defense of labor rights, and protection from illegal actions of security forces, from unfair court decisions. On October 7, 2019, an “Open Letter to the Leaders of Russian Democratic Organizations” was published, which states: “...for each elective position there is only ONE agreed candidate from the democratic forces.” On October 6, participants in the traditional walk of the “Free People” of Moscow supported a similar formulation of the issue, because this is the real path to fair elections. Moreover, participants in the traditional walk of the “Free People” of Moscow on October 6, 2019 initiated an open statement “On joining forces in the fight for fair elections” and published a corresponding message on the same day. This message has found widespread support. Naturally, representatives of the anti-people government began to block this message (screenshots are attached). That is, an active confrontation began. In this regard, we need to intensify the fight for fair elections, both by challenging dishonest elections and by holding representatives of the anti-people government accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Criminals should be in prison, not in government. Ex-candidate for deputy of the Saratov City Duma of the fifth convocation in single-mandate electoral district No. 10, Representative of Anatoly Stepanovich Dushko, victim in criminal cases No. 2-47/2019 and No. 2-79/2019 of the Moscow Regional Court - victim of a terrorist act (victim of contracted political murder of Evgeniy Anatolyevich Dushko, who was a fighter against corruption - a defender of our Fatherland, a defender of our compatriots), Head of the Program for the Protection of Russian Citizens, Head of the Anti-Corruption Committee of the Union of Orthodox Brotherhoods, Press Secretary of the Saratov People's Anti-Corruption Committee and the Stanitsa Cossack Society of the Sergiev Posad District of Moscow region, Member of the permanent Coordination Council of the “Round Table” on the interaction of patriotic forces, Representative of the Saratov regional committee of the political party “ROT FRONT”, Member of the “Free People” groups of the cities of Moscow and Saratov, as well as the interregional group, Participant of the protest rally “Pensioners for a decent life" July 26, 2018, Participant of the "Round Table" on the protection of the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of Russian citizens, including the protection of residents of Saratov and the Saratov region from the encroachments of corrupt officials, Defender of the Ataman of the Stanitsa Cossack Society, Sergiev Posad District, Moscow Region Turukhina Pavel Kipriyanovich in criminal case No. 1-18/2018 (No. 76650), Participant in the traditional religious procession on October 8, 2014 to liberate Russia from satanic evil (from corruption), Participant in the “Kadashev Readings” conferences, Participant in the “Opposition Walks”, “Walks” free people", Participant of the rally - voter strike in Saratov on January 28, 2018, Legal Adviser of the Orthodox Brotherhood of St. Sergius of Radonezh, Representative of the Museum "Cultural and Business Center" LLC. Folk crafts”, V.I. Solomonov

Over the weekend we visited Wittenberg for the first time, a small city in Saxony-Anhalt, just an hour’s drive from Leipzig or Berlin, famous primarily for the reform activities of Martin Luther. Here Luther lived and preached until he decided to fight the Vatican and reform the German faith, language and society as a whole. Thanks to this, the city of Wittenberg became for many centuries a mandatory excursion point for all celebrities traveling around Germany and Europe.
In addition to Luther, outstanding scientists and artists lived and worked in Wittenberg at different times - Weber, Goethe, Hundertwasser, Cranach's son and father. It was for the exhibition dedicated to the 500th anniversary of Cranach the Younger that we came.

From the station we go to look at the school building, designed by the famous architect, artist and designer Friedensreich Hundertwasser. On the way, a small park with a flower garden was unfortunately closed.

This excursion “train” for tourists travels around the city.

And here is the famous Luther-Melanchthon-Gymnasium, rebuilt according to the design of an Austrian architect in 1999. Hundertwasser himself died in 2000 in New Zealand, without ever seeing one of his last projects live.

The school, as well as the architect’s other projects, reflects all his eccentric ideas - uneven, wavy and fractal surfaces (he hated straight straight lines and angles, called the Third Reich a “rectangle”, which in his worldview was the most terrible curse), a minimum of identical windows, golden domes (he loved Orthodox churches). Trees are the inhabitants of the house, trees are everywhere, on the roof, in the rooms, they stick out everywhere, and the buildings, at least in the summer, become green citadels. Like Barcelona's Gaudi, he sculpted bright broken ceramic tiles everywhere, transforming the dull boxes of Soviet buildings, abandoned factories and train stations into fabulous, bright and blooming palaces.

New Town Hall.

The closer the center, the more Luther, he is everywhere, on almost all signs and graphics.

A children's party was held on the square near the shopping center; everyone was given roller skates, scooters, and bikes; the children were delighted!

And this is the old center. Napoleon the First, Friedrich Schiller and Maxim Gorky once stayed in this house.

The market square in Wittenberg is one of the most beautiful in eastern Germany.

And this is the world-famous palace church. Famous for the fact that in the Middle Ages its doors were used as a notice board, and it was here that Luther posted his reformation theses.

Now the church is completely under restoration, the floor is being changed, and preparations are being made thoroughly for the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the reformation in 2017.

You can’t go into the church, you can only admire the beautiful masonry of the roof, which the Germans call “the beaver’s tail.”

Wittenberg Palace does not look like a palace at all, it is now used as a hostel. In past centuries, kings and kings visited here (Charles XII of Sweden lived here two years before Poltava, and his “friend” Peter I two years after the battle), and today - schoolchildren and students.

Part of the palace park is a cemetery for Soviet soldiers; many of them died here.

Street Cafe.

And here is the entrance to the art gallery, where we actually arrived.

The exhibition, dedicated to the anniversary of Lucas Cranach the Younger, presents the work of contemporary figures and, above all, their fresh perspective on the classical medieval masters. Remakes, so to speak. For example, contemporaries see the famous series of paintings “Adam and Eve” this way:

You probably recognized the Last Supper. Well, the rest of the work is like that. Not for everyone.

We recommend visiting the beer courtyard on the main square; it’s not cheap, but it’s worth it.

A beautifully decorated courtyard with a children's playground, a very authentic interior and its own brewery - the freshest beer.

This was a cultural walk through the city of Luther Wittenberg.