The Heylshof Garden in Worms is the site of the Diet of Worms, an imperial court that banished Martin Luther into exile in 1521.

History of Heylshofgarten

In April 1521, the town's most famous visitor, Martin Luther, was called to appear before the Imperial Diet ("dee-it") at Worms. After refusing to retract his views (with the legendary words, "Here I stand, I can do no other"), Holy Roman Emperor Charles V declared him an outlaw.

That may have been the end of Luther's life had he not been rescued by Frederick of Saxony during the night and protected in Wartburg Castle.

The imperial palace in which the Diet was held extended as far as this garden, but it was destroyed in 1689.

What to See at Heylshofgarten

The Heylshofgarten is located on the north side of Worms Cathedral, not far from the Luther Monument on the Lutherring. The former site of the imperial palace now hosts a small peaceful park as well as the Kunsthaus Heylshof, an art museum with a fine collection including a colorful array of medieval stained glass.

A simple plaque on the ground on the side of the park nearest the cathedral marks the spot where Luther stood. It reads:

HIER STAND
VOR KAISER UND REICH
MARTIN LUTHER
1521

There is also a bronze plaque on a wall facing the garden, whose longer inscription commemorates the buildings that once stood on the site as well as Luther's appearance before the Diet of Worms.

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Quick Facts on Heylshofgarten

Site Information
Names:	Heylshofgarten
Country:	Germany
Categories:	Reformation history sites
Status:	site only
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	49.631040° N, 8.359534° E
Address:	Worms, Germany
Lodging:	View hotels near Heylshofgarten

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. City of Worms
2. The Rough Guide to Germany 6 (April 2004).

More Information

• Photos of Heylshofgarten - here on Sacred Destinations