Birth Of Protentanism Is A Unique Draw for Travel Agents, Germany Says
by Robert SelwitzGermany is set to celebrate one of next year’s hottest travel promotions, the 500th anniversary of the effective birth of Protestantism—and German tourism authorities are urging travel agents to recognize that this anniversary has tremendous drawing power, reaching far beyond traditional religious tourism.
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. His arguments against the Catholic Church’s practice of selling indulgences to absolve sin, was the opening salvo in what ultimately became the Reformation. Within a century and a half, the Catholic church’s unity was shattered, and l multiple Protestant faiths had appeared and gained wide—but not universal—acceptance.
While focusing attention on all aspects of Luther’s life, Germany is highlighting critical destinations that were particularly important to Luther’s life and achievements. For example, while the Wittenberg church’s original wooden doors are long gone, their bronze replacements are a major attraction. So is the Luther House where he and his family lived for nearly 35 years, which now includes a large reformation museum and many personal items such as Luther’s monk habit and bible. Another must is Eisleben, where Luther was born in 1483 and died in 1549.
Then there is Eisenach, home to the heavily-reconstructed, half-timbered Luther House. But the main attraction, just outside the main town, is the massive 11th century Wartburg Castle where Luther hid from his pursuers. While the castle itself has great appeal, you can also see the original room where Luther translated the New Testament into German. This “radical” act of making the bible readable in languages other than Latin was critical in spreading the message of the reformation and ensuring its success.
In Erfurt, your clients will want to explore the Augustinian Monastery where Luther became a monk in 1505, On site is a permanent exhibition, “Bible—Monastary—Luther,” original prayer cells, a historic library, and a collection of Luther artifacts. Other major Erfurt sights include the side-by-side St Mary’s Cathedral and St. Serveri church, the extraordinary, shop-laden 14th century Merchants Bridge, the gothic town hall, and the must-see Old Synagogue. The synagogue was essentially lost and forgotten about for centuries until its 1998 re-discovery. Built around 1100, today it tells the story of Erfurt’s medieval Jewish community. On display are a number of treasures, hidden during 14th century pogroms. These include an intricate 14th century wedding ring.
Leipzig is a great base from which to explore Luther’s heritage. While Eisennach, Eisleben and Wittenberg (but not Erfurt) are small with limited appeal beyond their historic attractions, Leipzig is a major center of fine art, music and dining. It is also home to a fascinating Stasi Museum located at the Leipzig headquarters of the infamous East German spy network. For more information about Germany’s 2017 Luther celebrations, download www.germany.travel/luther. For general Germany input download www.Germany.travel.
