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Wittenberg Castle Church

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Historical site
—°10
Wittenberg Castle Church (Germany)

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The Castle Church of All Saints in Wittenberg is a globally significant site in the history of the Reformation. It gained worldwide fame on October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther published his 95 Theses against the sale of indulgences, an event that triggered the Protestant Reformation. Originally built in the 15th century under Elector Frederick the Wise, the church suffered extensive damage over the centuries and was rebuilt several times. Its current neo-Gothic appearance largely stems from a late 19th-century reconstruction, which included the installation of the famous bronze 'Theses Door.' Inside the church lie the graves of Martin Luther and his close associate Philipp Melanchthon. The prominent tower features the inscribed words 'Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott' (A Mighty Fortress Is Our God), the opening line of Luther’s most famous hymn. Today, the Castle Church is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts numerous pilgrims and history enthusiasts from around the globe.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C014914182020151051
Rain mm553741305753786152475050

📋 Practical info

📍
Address
Schlossplatz 11, 06886 Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany
🕒
Hours
Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 11:30-17:00 (season)
💶
Entry
Free entry (donations welcome), tower climb approx. 3 €
🌐
Website
schlosskirche-wittenberg.de
🚌
Transit
S-Bahn/regional train to Wittenberg central station, then bus 304
🅿️
Parking
Arsenalsplatz parking lot, approx. 1.50 €/hour
♿
Accessibility
Ground floor is accessible via ramp.
📷
Photos
Allowed without flash, forbidden during services.
⭐
Best time
Weekdays at lunchtime for a quiet experience.
🎧
Audio guide
yes

History & landmarks

reformation

1517

Geography

Coordinates
51.86630, 12.64810

Facts

  • Luther published his 95 Theses here on October 31, 1517.
  • The church was nearly destroyed in 1760 during the Seven Years' War.
  • The modern bronze Theses Door weighs approximately 1,000 kilograms.
  • Martin Luther is buried directly beneath the church's pulpit.
  • The church tower stands 88 meters tall and dominates the city skyline.
  • The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage property since 1996.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Lutherstadt Wittenberg<1 km · NExplore →
SKW PiesteritzSKW Piesteritz6 km · WExplore →
📍Kemberg10 km · SExplore →
📍Zahna-Elster11 km · NEExplore →
📍Coswig15 km · WExplore →
📍Oranienbaum-Wörlitz18 km · SWExplore →
📍Gräfenhainichen20 km · SWExplore →
📍Bad Schmiedeberg21 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Wittenberg Castle Church (10)

Hamlethaus

Hamlethaus in Wittenberg is a historic building recalling the reception of Shakespeare.

Fronleichnamskapelle

Fronleichnamskapelle in Wittenberg is a sacred building used for worship services.

Melanchthonhaus

Melanchthonhaus in Wittenberg houses a museum on the life and work of Philipp Melanchthon.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-18:00

Schwanenteich

Schwanenteich in Wittenberg is a viewpoint overlooking the pond and the city.

Beyerhof

Beyerhof in Wittenberg is a historic courtyard, now used for events.

Christliche Kunst🏛 museum

Christliche Kunst museum in Wittenberg displays religious artworks from various periods.

Unbefleckte Empfängnis

Unbefleckte Empfängnis church in Wittenberg is a Catholic place of worship.

Clack Theater Wittenberg

Clack Theater in Wittenberg features a varied program of theatre and cabaret.

futurea Science Center🏛 museum

futurea Science Center in Wittenberg is a museum with interactive science and technology exhibits.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can I see the famous Theses Door?
Yes, today's 1858 bronze door displays Luther's 95 theses; the original wooden door burned down in 1760.
Where is Luther's grave located?
Martin Luther's grave is inside the Castle Church, directly beneath the pulpit under a bronze plate.
Is there an entry fee for the church?
Entry to the church is usually free, though a small fee is charged for climbing the tower.
What are the opening hours?
Daily approx. 10 AM - 6 PM, Sundays after service; visiting is prohibited during religious services.
Can you climb the castle church tower?
Yes, the tower gives a wide view over Wittenberg and the Elbe; it has 289 steps.
Wittenberg Castle Church: where is it located?
Wittenberg Castle Church is located in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
Wittenberg Castle Church: what is there to see?
Highlights include Hamlethaus, Fronleichnamskapelle, Stadtkirche St. Marien.
Wittenberg Castle Church: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Wittenberg Castle Church: why is it worth visiting?
The Castle Church of All Saints in Wittenberg is a globally significant site in the history of the Reformation.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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