30 Years of World Heritage Status for the Luther Memorials | Focus on the Castle Church in Wittenberg Starting October 7 | Reformation Day Services and Concert, Special Tours, Organ Music, and Much More
"30 Years. 6 Sites. ONE World Heritage." Starting October 7, the Castle Church in Wittenberg takes center stage in the World Heritage anniversary celebrations for the Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg. It ranks among the most significant sites associated with the Reformation. Every year on October 31, a Reformation Festival in Wittenberg commemorates Martin Luther’s publication of the 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in 1517. Festive church services and a celebratory concert take place in the church on Reformation Day. In addition, the Protestant Preachers' Seminary and the Castle Church congregation are hosting concerts, guided tours, events, and prayers for peace throughout the month.
To mark the anniversary of the Luther Memorials being awarded World Heritage status on December 7, 1996, one of the six World Heritage sites will be highlighted each month—starting on the seventh day of the month— through the end of the year. Partners in this collaboration include the cities of Eisleben and Wittenberg, tourism organizations, and the Protestant Church.
Under the title "OrgelPunkt 12" (Organ Point 12), short organ music performances will take place in the Castle Church every Thursday in October at 12:00 noon. Admission is free. In keeping with the motto "World Heritage for All," visitors can tour the church free of charge on October 3, 7, 11, 18, and 25. The usual maintenance contribution will be waived on these days. On October 7, free special tours titled "30 Minutes of World Heritage" will also be offered at 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Please register by calling 03491 5069 160 or emailing
Prayers for peace will be held on October 12, 19, and 26, each at 6:00 p.m. They will be accompanied by the organ, or—on October 19—by a handbell choir. Following the peace prayer on October 12, a discussion will take place with former Minister-President Dr. Reiner Haseloff regarding his new book, *Nicht mit unserem Land. Eine ostdeutsche Positionsbestimmung* ("Not with Our Country: An East German Perspective").
On Reformation Day, October 31, a celebratory service will begin at 10:00 a.m., featuring a liturgy led by trainee pastors (vicars) and a sermon by Pastor Birgit Neumann-Becker, Director of the Protestant Preachers' Seminary in Wittenberg. A second celebratory service will follow at 11:30 a.m. The liturgy will be led by Pastor Anne Brisgen, pastor of the Evangelical Church in Germany at the Castle Church. The sermon will be delivered by Prof. Dr. Michael Domsgen from the University of Halle-Wittenberg. Musical accompaniment will be provided by KMD Ulrich Hirtzbruch and Philipp Spielmann on the organ.
At 5:00 p.m., a Reformation Day concert titled "The Heavens Declare the Glory of God" (*Die Himmel rühmen die Ehre Gottes*) will take place, featuring hymns of praise spanning five centuries. The performers are baritone Rainer Weiss from Bayreuth and KMD Ulrich Hirtzbruch on the organ. Admission is 16 euros (12 euros reduced). The Research Library for Reformation History at the Castle Church (Schlossplatz 1D) is also offering an exciting program of events. Things kick off on October 7 at 6:30 p.m. with an event titled "Castle Stories: Prints and Tales of the Castle," offering a glimpse into the graphic art collection featuring images of the Castle Church. Immediately following this, storyteller Maria Carmela Marinelli will share captivating tales about the castle.
Throughout October, historically significant books from the library’s holdings will be showcased every Thursday at 12:45 p.m. during "Book Breaks." Tours of the stacks (lasting approximately 60 minutes) will take place on October 12, 19, and 26 at 4:30 p.m.; admission is free. A special book exhibition titled "World Heritage Meets Book Heritage" is scheduled for Reformation Day between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. A free guided tour will be offered at 2:00 p.m. At 3:30 p.m., spoken-word artist Aron Boks is set to perform a special Reformation Day program at the library; admission is free. Registration for all four events is available by calling 03491 5069 200 or emailing
Wittenberg will celebrate the Reformation Festival throughout the day with a traditional historical pageant, festive church services, city tours, interactive activities at the Theses Door, and "Sound Theses" at the Bunkerberg. A special highlight this year is a lantern procession starting at 5:00 p.m. in front of the Luther House. For more information, visit: www.wittenberger-reformationsfest.de
