Reformation and Protestant Sites
Although Christian pilgrimage is traditionally confined to Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestants are increasingly embarking on spiritual journeys to historical sites associated with their faith. Protestant tour groups, whether organized by a local church or a professional tour company, explore biblical sites like the Holy Land and Greek cities associated with St. Paul, but also Reformation-themed tours that visit Reformation sites such as Luther's house, the famous church door in Wittenberg, or John Calvin's church in Geneva.
In addition to its religious significance, the Reformation was highly influential on modern western society and its history is full of fascinating stories of interesting people. There is no better way to make this important period come alive than to visit the many Reformation sites throughout Europe.
So whether you are a Protestant Christian, a European history buff, or any traveler in search of interesting sights, the world's many Reformation and Protestant sites are definitely worth a look. Below is a selection of some of the most popular Reformation and Protestant sites to visit.
Martin Luther and Lutheran Sites
Eisleben, GermanyMartin Luther preached his last sermons in this Gothic hall church on the main square. The pulpit is preserved in its original place, the altarpiece is a fine example of late Gothic art.
Erfurt, Thuringia, GermanyThe main stop on the Luther Trail in Erfurt is this Augustinian monastery where Luther lived as a monk during his turbulent, formative years in 1505-11.
Wittenberg, GermanyOn the door of this church in 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses against the sale of indulgences - and launched the Reformation. The church contains the tombs of Luther, Melanchthon and Frederick the Wise.
Wittenberg, GermanyIn this twin-towered Gothic church, Luther preached the Reformation, was married (1525) and baptized his six children. Inside, Cranach's huge Reformation Altar includes scenes of Christ and Luther.
Worms, Rhineland-Palatinate, GermanyThe Imperial Palace where Luther stood his ground and was declared an outlaw in 1521 was destroyed in 1689. The site is occupied by the Heylshofgarten, where a plaque commemorates the great Reformation event.
Eisenach, GermanyThis is where Martin Luther lived as a schoolboy with the Cotta family from 1498 to 1501. The half-timbered house preserves the two rooms used by Luther and displays Reformation artifacts.
Wittenberg, Saxony-Anhalt, GermanyThe house where Luther and his family lived is well-preserved and full of Reformation relics, including Luther's desk, his pulpit, and first editions of his books.
Eisleben, GermanyA large, Romantic-era statue of Martin Luther in the middle of Eisleben's main square. The four sides of the base are adorned with bas-relief scenes of his life.
Worms, Rhineland-Palatinate, GermanyErected in 1868 and funded by Lutherans around the world, this is the largest Reformation monument ever built. Situated in a purpose-built park, it includes statues of Luther, his contemporaries and his forerunners.
Eisleben, GermanyHere Martin Luther spent the last weeks of his life after falling ill during a brief trip to his hometown. Luther's death mask and the gilded Communion cup he used as pastor are among the displays.
Eisleben, GermanyHere Martin Luther was baptized on November 11, 1483. The church contains two fine Gothic altarpieces.
Leipzig, GermanyThis 13th-century church has hosted several important Germans over the years, most notably Bach and Luther.
Eisenach, Thuringia, GermanyThis imposing castle, a symbol of German identity and a World Heritage Site, is where Luther lived in hiding as Knight George. Here he threw an inkpot at the devil and translated the Bible into German.
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John Calvin and Reformed/Presbyterian Sites
Geneva, Canton Geneva, SwitzerlandIn this Protestant lecture hall, John Knox preached from 1556 to 1559 and John Calvin founded a Christian academy in 1559.
Berlin, GermanyThe French Cathedral is the oldest of the two churches on Gendarmenmarkt square. It was built by the Huguenot (French Calvinist) community between 1701 and 1705.
Geneva, Canton Geneva, SwitzerlandIn this historic cathedral you can see the pulpit from which John Calvin preached the Reformation, examine interesting carved capitals, and climb the tower for spectacular views.
Zurich, Canton Zurich, SwitzerlandThe unique and imposing Great Minster was built in 1090 by Charlemagne as a shrine to local martyrs. Later, Zwingli preached the Reformation from its pulpit.
Vézelay, Burgundy, FranceA small plaque marks the house in Vézelay where John Calvin's right-hand man was born in 1519.
Noyon, FranceThe Musée Jean Calvin is a museum dedicated to the French reformer John Calvin, located on the site of his birth house in Noyon, France.
Geneva, Canton Geneva, SwitzerlandThis huge monument was constructed in 1917 to commemorate Geneva's significant role in the Reformation. It features an array of stone statues, bas-reliefs and inscriptions.
Edinburgh, Lothian, ScotlandAs the church where John Knox preached the Reformation, St Giles' is the mother church of the Church of Scotland and the birthplace of Presbyterianism.
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Anglican, Episcopalian and English Reformation Sites
Oxford, Oxfordshire, EnglandA photographic guide to the many sights in Oxford associated with the life of C.S. Lewis, accompanied by a large photo gallery and interactive map.
Canterbury, Kent, EnglandMajestic architecture and venerable history are what bring most visitors to Canterbury Cathedral, but it is also full of wonderful details - from medieval stained glass to hidden Green Men.
New York City, New York, USAThis Episcopal cathedral on the Upper West Side is the largest cathedral in the world, even though it is still incomplete. It is known for its strong interfaith tradition.
Oxford, Oxfordshire, EnglandThis grand memorial spire in the center of Oxford commemorates the Oxford executions of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer and other bishops under "Bloody" Queen Mary.
Oxford, Oxfordshire, EnglandThis parish church has the oldest building in Oxford (1040) and some of the oldest stained glass windows in England (1290). Thomas Cranmer was imprisoned here before his martyrdom.
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John Wesley and Methodist Sites
London, EnglandThis monument marking the site where John Wesley experienced an evangelical conversion in 1738 is inscribed with his own account of the experience.
Oxford, Oxfordshire, EnglandThis unique cathedral is also the chapel of Christ Church College, the most prestigious college in Oxford. It incorporates the ancient shrine of Oxford's patron saint, Frideswide.
Baltimore, Maryland, USAKnown as the "Mother Church of American Methodism," Lovely Lane Methodist Church was founded in 1784 and rebuilt to an interesting Byzantine-Romanesque design in 1882.
London, EnglandThis historical site includes John Wesley's 18th-century chapel, house and tomb, plus the interesting Museum of Methodism. The chapel is still a thriving place of worship.
Bristol, EnglandThe first Methodist chapel in the country, the New Room was built by John Wesley in 1739. The design is attractive in its simplicity and features the double pulpit from which Wesley preached.
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