Melanchthonhaus (Melanchthon House), Wittenberg 
Photo by Stephan Komp. See more in our Wittenberg Photo Gallery.
Photo by Stephan Komp.
Photo by Stephan Komp.
Photo by Stephan Komp.
Photo by Stephan Komp.
The Melanchthonhaus is the grand Wittenberg home of Philipp Melanchthon, Martin Luther's right-hand man and the greatest scholar of the early Reformation.
History
Philipp Schwartzerd arrived in Wittenberg as a professor of Greek in 1519, at the tender age of 21. Because of his expertise in Greek and humanist leanings, he was given the name Melanchthon by his humanist great-uncle. It is simply a Greek form of the German surname Schwartzerd: both mean "black earth."
Already influenced by the Christian humanist ideas of Erasmus and others before his arrival in Wittenberg, Melanchthon became a follower of Luther's theology in Wittenberg. He lacked Luther's self-assuredness, but possessed a sharper intellect and was primarily responsible for the articulation of the Protestant doctrines. The Augsburg Confession, the Lutheran statement of faith, was written mostly by Melanchthon.
In 1520, when Melanchthon got married, he bought himself a house on Collegienstrasse. But in 1536, in order to link the famous teacher with the University of Wittenberg, Elector Johann Frederick gave him a new house.
The three-story house that stands today was built for Melancthon in 1536, and is one of the finest remaining Renaissance houses in Wittenberg. It provided space for Melanchthon's family as well as students, who produced the coats of arms painted on the wall on the third floor.
In 1897 Prussia acquired the building and had the study room and the room where Melanchthon died recreated on the second floor. In 1996-97 the Melanchthonhaus was extensively renovated and opened again with a modern permanent exhibition.
What to See
Melanchthon's house is a Renaissance mansion with a gable that looks like fingers rising above an extended palm. The reformer lived here from 1536 until his death in 1560.
Like the Lutherhaus, the well-preserved house of Melanchthon also contains a museum with modern displays on the reformer's life and career. The impressive collection consists chiefly of manuscripts and historical prints.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Melanchthonhaus; Melanchthon House |
| Type of site: | Museum; Protestant site |
| Date: | 1536 |
| Location: | Collegienstrasse 60, Wittenberg, Germany |
| Hours: | April-Sept: Tues-Sun 9-6; Oct-March: Tes-Sun 10-5 |
| Cost: | €5 (or €6 combined ticket with Lutherhaus) |
Map
Location map and satellite view of the Melanchthon House. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Wittenberg Map or get our free Google Earth download.
- Melanchthonhaus - Luther Memorials Foundation of Saxony-Anhalt
- Melanchthon - Concordia Historical Institute
- Works of Philipp Melanchthon (full online text) - Project Wittenberg
- Philipp Melanchthon - Wikipedia
