Destinations / Germany / Saxony-Anhalt / Wittenberg / Wittenberg Historic Places / Castle Church (Schloßkirche)

Castle Church (Schloßkirche) Germany

  • Portal of the 95 Theses
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    North side of the Late Gothic exterior (completed 1509). The two main entrances are on this side of the church, including the famous doors on which Luther posted his theses, shown here. Back in Luther's day, there was a moat on this side of the church and the portals had to be approached by footbridges over the water. Sadly, the original wooden doors to which Luther posted his theses were destroyed in a 1760 fire. But to commemorate the 375th anniversary of Luther's birth in 1858, they were replaced with bronze doors that bear the Latin text of the 95 Theses. The painting in the tympanum was added at the same time. It depicts Luther and Melancthon kneeling before a Crucifixion against the backdrop of Wittenberg, with Luther holding his German Bible and Melancthon the Augsburg Confession. Above the door are statues of Fredrick the Wise and John the Steadfast. David Joyal
map of the Castle Church (Schloßkirche) map of the Castle Church (Schloßkirche)
aerial view of the Castle Church (Schloßkirche)
Location maps and aerial view of the Castle Church (Schloßkirche) in Wittenberg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Click a map to enlarge and zoom; click again to close.
Interactive aerial view of the Castle Church (Schloßkirche) in Wittenberg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Click top-right corner for full-screen view. close
Interactive location map of the Castle Church (Schloßkirche) in Wittenberg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Click top-right corner for full-screen view. close

Quick Facts

Go Historic ID
248433
Article Title
Castle Church (Schloßkirche)
Coordinates
51.8663710° N, 12.6355866° E
Sort Date
2999
Quality
6
Notability
8 - nationally famous
Visitability
open regularly with free admission