Saturday, March 6, 2010

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!

11 comments:

Thomas said...

Looks like an amazing castle, Especially considering the history!

bookjunkie said...

What a wonderful experience! The castle reminds me of the one we visited in Switzerland. Fascinating stuff!

Dina said...

What a fun trip! I felt like I hiked all the way to the castle myself : ) I love history. Thanks for taking the time to share pictures and for the narration. Love you guys!!

Anonymous said...

what a wonderful trip to the castle with my good girlfriends! And my big love for Martin Luther; I was a member of the Lutheren church before I was a Mormon. He was a great reformer and made room for J.Smith. I think of you girls many times and send love to you as you spread the Gospel and love on the people you meet. I know they are drawn to you so easily! Love you Suej

Kelli Proctor said...

Wow! That must have been absolutely AMAZING to see all that stuff! I LOVED all the architecture! Thanks for sharing your awesome, amazing trip! LOVE YOU GUYS!

Darcie said...

You take wonderful photos!! Thanks so much for sharing with us!! Love you tons!

Linde said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Linde said...

That was so cool. Fun to hear about Martin Luther and where he did some of his translations.

What a beautiful castle! You do a great job showing it.

Grannie said...

Hi Christi, What an amazing photo journey! I felt like I was in Europe again touring all the castles and museums with my dad. But I've never been to Wartburg castle. My dad is a Martin Luther expert...I wonder why he never took us there?? Great to check in on you again. Bless you, Jonna Lu

Tina said...

Amazing! Wish I could have hiked up there with you guys.

livnal said...

THATS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!