151731 October 1517 · Lutherstadt Wittenberg

Luther's Ninety-five Theses

The Castle Church in Wittenberg, where Luther is said to have posted his theses — Photo: Romzig. CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Martin Luther, a monk and university teacher in Wittenberg, circulated ninety-five theses against the sale of indulgences, by tradition nailing them to the door of the Castle Church. Printed copies spread across Germany within weeks. His break with Rome began the Protestant Reformation, which divided Western Christianity and reshaped politics, education and language in Europe.

Religious & Pilgrimage
Political History
Berlin, Germany

Sites

Site 1: Castle Church (All Saints)Bronze theses door of 1858 and Luther's grave inside.Map ↗
Site 2: Luther HouseLuther's home, now a museum of the Reformation.Map ↗
Site 3: Town Church of St MaryLuther's preaching church, with Cranach's Reformation altarpiece.Map ↗