Just a few steps away from Luther's birthplace in Eisleben is the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, where Martin Luther was baptized on November 11, 1483. In German, it's also known as the Taufkirche, "baptism church."

History of St. Peter and Paul Church

The church that stands today was built between 1447 and 1513, but there was a church on this site, dedicated just to Peter, by the end of the 13th century. Martin Luther, who lived very close by, was baptized here on November 11, 1483, the day after his birth.

What to See at St. Peter and Paul Church

The remains of the original baptismal font in which Martin Luther was baptized can still be seen inside the church. It's in the middle of the chancel and bears the Latin inscription, "Rudera baptistierii, quo tinctus est b. Martinus Lutherus 1483."

St Peter and Paul is a fairly austere Gothic hall church, but it contains two beautiful, early 16th-century altarpieces. The one at the high altar is in honor of St. Anne, the patron saint of miners, to whom a young Luther prayed for help during a thunderstorm and vowed to become a monk if she saved him. (She did and he did.)

Decorating the walls are four nice examples of the painted epitaph, an art form that flourished during the early Protestant period. Look for the one to the Heidelberg family - it features a distant view of Eisleben, with Luther and his associates conversing in the middle ground, and in front is a depiction of Redemption and portraits of 18 members of the family.

The nave has cross- and net-vaultings; the arches display trademarks, guild signs, family arms, and the Luther Rose. In the chancel are symbols of the Passion of Christ.

Quick Facts on St. Peter and Paul Church

Site Information
Names:	St. Peter and Paul Church
Country:	Germany
Categories:	churches
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	51.526375° N, 11.548862° E
Address:	Eisleben, Germany
Lodging:	View hotels near St. Peter and Paul Church

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

1. The Rough Guide to Germany 6.
2. St. Petri-Pauli Kirche - Homepage of St. Andreas, St. Nicolai, St. Petri

More Information

• Photos of St. Peter and Paul Church - here on Sacred Destinations