P-Day at Wartburg Castle

Legend has it that the first building on this site were erected in the years after 1067. The medieval castle that now stands there was started in 1156 and completed in 1172. It ranks among the best-preserved and beautiful secular buildings of the late Romanesque era this side of the Alps. This castle is unique because it's history is marked by peaceful events and not so much by battle and bloodshed. The charitable acts of Saint Elisabeth and Martin Luther's translation of the New Testament make it one of the most significant sights in the history of Protestantism.

The Oldest Drawing

"The Wartburg: what a host of memories this name evokes for every German! Where is the castle that is its equal in historical significance and poetic solemnity?" Hugo von Ritgen

P-Day with the missionaries, our first visit to a castle. We are excited!

It's up where?!!

Come on, you can do this.

With the strength of the Missionaries ....

....we can do hard things.

Eisenach

We are almost there.

Wartburg Castle, Eisenach, Thuringia

The Drawbridge

The Door Coming In

Looking Out From the Drawbridge

The Main Big Tower

The Smaller Lookout Tower with Outside Stairs

In the 1850s the Bergfried was built and was furnished as a grand-ducal residence and a museum. They created a granary and a knights' bath house. Today this is a cafe and a hotel.

Going Into the Castle

Knights' Hall

Dining Hall (The original table was five times this size)

Chapel

Organ concerts as well as Protestant and Catholic Services are held here today. They are held in memory of Saint Elisabeth and Martin Luther.

The Chapel Door



Saint Elisabeth

Elisabeth's Bower

The glass mosaic was installed in the last century.

The mosaic shows scenes from the life of the saintly Elisabeth of Hungary, the most remarkable woman in the history of Wartburg.

Elisabeth Gallery

In this gallery the painter, Moritz von Schwind, narrates the life of Saint Elisabeth and underlines her charitable role with the Seven Acts of Charity

These are two of the Seven

Hall of Minstrels

In the 13th Century Wartburg was considered the leading center of fine arts throughout Europe.

The legend of the contest of minstrels, portrayed here, is based on historic events.

Banquet Hall

This hall received it's contemporary look in the 19th Century when the trapezoidal paneled ceiling, which gives the room a remarkable acoustic, was added. The overall appearance of the banquet hall represents the 19th century perceptions of the Middle Ages and is one of the finest ensembles of the Historicism era.

In 1817 students from eleven universities met at the Wartburgfest. They commemorated the 300th anniversary of Reformation Day. In commemoration of this event, the flag of the first student fraternity in the city of Jena was hoisted on the middle chimney; its colors black-red-gold were later to become the German national flag.

For a number of decades the grand hall is has been used for concerts and numerous cultural events.

Graduation events are held here too.

The Royal Bedroom

The Museum

The Dragon Slayer

The Dragons

Thuringia Coat of Arms

Little Flute (about 4 inches)

Eating Utensils

Checkers anyone?

Hallway to the Area of the Castle where Martin Luther wrote sermons and translated the Bible while in seclusion.


Martin Luther was placed under Imperial ban and declared an outlaw along with all those who adhered to his teachings. It was not possible for him to return to Wittenberg so a sham attack was stage-managed by a local magistrate from Gotha. Luther was taken captive to Wartburg where arrangements had been made for "prison" accommodations worthy of a gentleman, where he spent the next ten months almost exclusively.

A Painting of Martin Luther


The Room Where He Wrote and Translated

His Notes From The Book of Samuel

His Copy of The New Testament

In order to remain incognito, Luther sprouted a beard, let his hair grow, wore worldly clothing and went by the name of "Junker Joerg".

Our Last Door as We Leave Luther's Room and the Castle

Back Down the Hill

It Was an Awesome Day!