Martin Luther in Erfurt
Martin Luther spent ten formative years of his life in Erfurt. This time had a considerable influence on the thinking and work of the later reformer. He received an academic education at the University of Erfurt, joined the mendicant order of Augustinian hermits in the Augustinian monastery and critically examined faith and the grace of God.
As the so-called spiritual home of Martin Luther, Erfurt celebrated the anniversary of the Reformation in 2017 with numerous events, lectures, concerts, exhibitions and city tours.
The story of Martin Luther in Erfurt begins in 1501, when he was 17 years old and studying law at the Collegium maius, the University of Erfurt. After successfully completing his basic studies in the seven liberal arts, a severe thunderstorm in Stotternheim near Erfurt became a turning point in his life. He decides to become a monk.
In 1505, Martin Luther enters the Augustinian monastery and submits to the ascetic piety of the mendicant monks. Shortly afterwards, he began to study theology, was ordained a priest in St. Mary's Cathedral in 1507 and celebrated his first mass in the Augustinian church. After Luther left the city for a position in Wittenberg, he returned again and again to preach to his enthusiastic followers in the Augustinian-, Michaelis-, Barfüßer- and Kaufmanns-churches.
Luther Places in Erfurt
The Routes to Luther in Erfurt lead to the Augustinian monastery, to the Collegium Maius (the main building of the old university) and to the Georgenburse, Martin Luther’s student lodgings. In the oldest parish church in Erfurt, St Michael’s Church, the first Protestant sermon was held in 1520. Today the church is regarded as one of the most important sites of the Reformation thanks to Luther’s sermon and the work of the Erfurt reformer Johannes Lang.
The 19th century town hall contains seven paintings depicting scenes from Luther’s life. The wooden template used for Luther’s bronze epitaph can be found in St Andrew’s Church. The sculptor of the large statue of the great reformer in front of the Merchant’s Church embellished it with reliefs of Luther’s time in Erfurt. The granite pedestal bears the inscription: “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” (Psalm 118, 17).
Erfurt Protestant Augustinian Monastery
The church and monastery was built around 1300. Martin Luther, the famous Augustinian monk, was admitted to the monastery on 17 July 1505.
Cathedral of St. Mary
The late Gothic cathedral with its high-Gothic choir and Romanesque tower replaced the church built on this site for Bishop Boniface in 742.
Georgenburse
It is widely accepted that Martin Luther, moved into the Georgenburse (student living quarters) as a seventeen-year-old student in April 1501.
Collegium Maius
Collegium Maius was in formaer times the main building of the Old Universitiy of Erfurt.
More interesting places connected with Luther
The neo-Gothic town hall on Fischmarkt was built between 1870 and 1874.
The neo-Gothic town hall on Fischmarkt was built between 1870 and 1874. Inside is a series of murals depicting legends and images from Erfurts history.
The Luther Stone
The Luther Stone stands to the east of Stotternheim. On 2 July 1505 Martin Luther was returning to Erfurt after visiting his parents in Mansfeld.
Luther Trail in Erfurt
As pilgrims' route and hiking trail the Luther Trail in Thuringia leads more than 30 Thuringian locations.
Guided Tours - Through Erfurt in Luther's Footsteps
Martin Luther in Erfurt
Discover reminders of Martin Luther’s time in Erfurt, such as the Augustinian Monastery, the cathedral and the many churches in which he preached. On your route through the town you will see all places connected with Luther. We would be delighted to organise such a tour for you.
Videos
Routes to Martin Luther
Erfurt - European City of the Reformation
