The Bugenhagen House in Wittenberg – A historical jewel for visitors and tourists
If you visit Lutherstadt Wittenberg, you should definitely make a detour to the Bugenhagen House, one of the city's most important historical buildings. The Bugenhagen House is the oldest Protestant parsonage in the world and a living testament to Reformation history.
History and Significance
The Bugenhagen House was built in 1523 right next to the famous city church St. Mary and was the residence and office of Johannes Bugenhagen, one of the most important reformers alongside Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon. Bugenhagen was the first Protestant city pastor in Wittenberg from 1523 to 1557 and played a central role in spreading Reformation ideas, not only in Wittenberg but also in northern Germany as well as in Denmark and Norway. He married Martin Luther to Katharina von Bora and delivered the funeral sermon for Luther in 1546.
The building itself is a three-story, elongated structure with a Renaissance core from the 15th century, which was baroque and repeatedly rebuilt over the centuries. Until 1997, it continuously served as the residence of the Wittenberg superintendents. Between 2004 and 2007, the Bugenhagen House was extensively renovated to preserve its historical structure and make it usable as a meeting center.
What Awaits Visitors Today?
Today, the Bugenhagen House is a lively place of meeting and remembrance. It houses an exhibition on the history of the house and the significance of Johannes Bugenhagen for the Reformation. The rooms on the ground floor are open for events, conferences, and meetings, including the festive Bugenhagen Hall. In the idyllic parsonage garden under a 160-year-old beech, Café Klatschmohn invites you to linger.
The house is centrally located at Kirchplatz 9, directly opposite the city church, and is part of the Luther memorials, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Guided tours through the Bugenhagen House are organized and provide a deep insight into the life and work of the "third reformer" of Wittenberg as well as the architecture and history of the oldest Protestant parsonage.
Why is it Worth a Visit?
A visit to the Bugenhagen House uniquely combines history, culture, and atmosphere. You will experience firsthand where Johannes Bugenhagen lived and worked, and immerse yourself in the time of the Reformation. The house complements the well-known Luther sites in Wittenberg and offers a quiet place for reflection and discovery.
Whether you are interested in history, want to understand the Reformation, or are simply looking for a special place in Wittenberg – the Bugenhagen House is a highlight you shouldn't miss.
Address:
Kirchplatz 9, 06886 Wittenberg
Contact:
Phone: 03491 / 62830
Visit the Bugenhagen House and experience history come alive – a must for every visitor to Wittenberg!
Photos: Bugenhagen House inside and outside © WittenbergKultur e.V.
