City Church, Wittenberg 
Towers of the Stadtkirche from Marktplatz. See more and larger photos
in our Stadtkirche Wittenberg Photo Gallery.
Exterior view from south.
West front.
Interior of the Stadtkirche, with Lucas Cranach's eye-catching altarpiece.
Altarpiece by Lucas Cranach the Elder featuring Reformation figures.
Location map and aerial view of City Church. For a larger interactive view, see our Wittenberg Map.
Towering over Marktplatz in the center of Wittenberg is the Stadtkirche (City Church), the oldest building in the city. It is known as the "Mother Church of the Reformation," as Martin Luther did most of his preaching here.
History
Officially named St. Mary's Church (Marienskirche), the City Church has sections dating from the 13th century, making it the oldest structure in Wittenberg.
The choir dates to about 1300; construction on the rest continued until 1470. The distinctive octagonal turrets were added after the Reformation.
Martin Luther preached here regularly, was married here in 1525 and his six children were baptized here. The pulpit from which he preached is preserved in the Lutherhalle.
What to See
The parish church has changed quite a bit since Luther's time, but still contains a magnificent Reformation altarpiece by Lucas Cranach the Elder, depicting the Lord's Supper (look for the faces of Luther, Melanchthon and other Reformation figures), Baptism and Confession.
Cranach was Bürgermeister (mayor) of Wittenberg, a friend of Luther, and one of the most notable Reformation artists. More of his work can be seen in the Lutherhalle and elsewhere. Also notable is the font by Hermann Vischer (1457) that saw the baptisms of Luther's children.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | City Church; Stadtkirche; Marienskirche; St. Mary's Church; Stadtkirche St Marien; City Church of St. Mary; "Mother Church of the Reformation" |
| Dedicated to: | Virgin Mary |
| Location: | Wittenberg, Germany |
| Categories: | Churches; Historical Sites; World Heritage Sites |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Original/Primary: Catholic Current/Secondary: Lutheran |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 13th century and later |
| Architecture: | Gothic |
| Size: | Luther Trail, Reformation History, |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 51.866502° N, 12.644781° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Judenstrasse 35, Wittenberg, Germany |
| Phone: | 03491/403201 |
| Hours: | Nov-Apr: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 11:30am-4pm May-Oct: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11:30am-5pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Photography: | Permitted |
Travel Resources for Wittenberg
- Wittenberg Map - our detailed interactive map of Wittenberg, plus hand-picked links to more
- Wittenberg Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Wittenberg Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Wittenberg tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Personal visit (March 9, 2008).
- Information provided at the church.
- Stadtkirche St. Marien - Fodor's Germany
- Introduction to Lutherstadt Wittenberg - Frommer's Germany
Article last updated: 10/14/2009.
