The Wartburg Castle is perched on top of a 1230 foot cliff overlooking the forests of Eisenach, Thuringia in Germany. It was founded by Duke Ludwig der Springer in 1067 and preparations for construction began almost immediately. Legend suggests that it was not up and running until around 1170. The whole site is composed of many buildings. Some main features are the Castle keep, South Tower, the Knights' house, the dungeon, and the gate and drawbridge which serve as an entrance. The Wartburg Castle is respected as one of the finest Romanesque structures in Germany because of its unique architecture, breathtaking surroundings, and astounding preservation. However, it is more commonly known for its superb embodiment of the Middle Ages, rich history,religious meaning, and because it represents Martin Luther's translation of the Bible into German which Goethe referred to as the unification of the German people.

The Wartburg Castle is probably the most famous castle in Germany. Many important events have taken place at the Wartburg from politics to religion to the arts. Even though it is only a building of stone and wood, there is no doubt that this ancient structure has had a tremendous effect on the history of Germany and the world.

There are a couple main events that the the Wartburg is famous for like the years that Martin Luther and Saint Elizabeth of Hungary spent in the castle. However there are countless more that have slipped between the history books and even though they are less well-known there is no denying their contribution to the history of the Wartburg Castle. In regards to art, the Wartburg has always had a close connection to it. There are numerous murals throughout its halls and it has been drawn and inhabitated by many artists throughout the centuries. Interestingly enough in the 13th century, under the reign of Landgrave Hermann I, a rich and artistic literary court developed. Hermann was known for surrounding himself with artistic geniuses and these rumors proved themselves true as poets and painters flocked to the Wartburg throughout the 1200's. Among these was Walther Von Vogelweide who wrote many widely esteemed works describing aspects of society at the Wartburg.

Another well known occurrence was when Saint Elizabeth of Hungary lived at Wartburg. She was the widowed wife of Landgrave Louis II and an advocate of aiding the sick and the poor. After her husband passed away in 1227 she left the castle with her 3 children and founded a hospital in Marburg, Germany. She died in 1231 and was recognized for her immense warmth and generous contributions soon after her death.

Another interesting fact that is not often mentioned when people discuss the Wartburg castle is its involvement in the era of the Nazi regime in the 30's and 40's. During Hitler's dictatorship the Wartburg was noted as a major "object of attention from Nazi regime", however they never did get around to taking it over. Even though it was spared during the Soviet bombing on Eisenach in 1945, it was later looted and pillaged by the Soviet troops. In the process, a remarkable collection of about 800 pieces of ancient art saved up by Friedrich the Wise and other scholars of his time were stolen. It is speculated that the remaining pieces are still floating around in the former U.S.S.R.

Although the previous facts and events do carry some signifagance in the history of Wartburg, possibly the most important and famous person to ever stay in the Wartburg was definitely Martin Luther. Martin Luther was a german monk, notorious for criticizing the Catholic church. Martin Luther was excommunicated after refusing to retract his statements and teachings, concerning his opinions on the misuse of the letters of indulgence and bold criticisms of the Pope, at the Diet of Worms. After this, elector Friedrich the Wise organized for Martin Luther to be transported to the Wartburg in an attempt to protect him from those who might want to kill him and in hopes that removing him from the limelight would cause less attacks on the Reformation.

Martin Luther found refuge within the seclusion and privacy of the Wartburg's walls. He used his time while exiled as a period of meditation, reflection, spiritual reformation, and personal progress. Throughout his time in Eisenach, Martin Luther transformed himself into a medieval knight. He grew his hair and beard out and wore a cloak and dagger. He insisted that people refer to him as Junker Jorg, or Knight George, and hunted frequently. Though hunting and meditation did consume some of his time, most of it was used either thinking about his beliefs or writing about them.

Many historians believe that some of his best work was accomplished at the Wartburg. Martin Luther wrote many series' of essays, letters, and religious tracts throughout his 300-day stay in the castle, but his main accomplishment was the translation of the New Testament into German. It is rumored that Luther completed the whole translation in less than 11 weeks. This work was what really established him as a religious and national icon for all Christian Reformists of the time and the citizens of Germany. Martin Luther's work not only gave the German people a sense of pride and unification, it gave them access to the religion that would be a large part of their culture and everyday lives for centuries to come.

The Wartburg Castle is still existent today, sitting heavily on its rocky ledge above acres of beautiful natural surroundings. However, instead of being used as housing for great lords and outcasts, it is now a museum. Tourists from all over the world visit for guided tours including the viewing of Martin Luther and Elizabeth of Hungary's rooms. Martin Luther's room is still in tact, including the original paneled walls and floors, his authentic chestnut desk, wedding portraits of Luther and his wife, and even his 1541 Bible with commentaries in the margins from him, Melancthon, and other fellow Reformists. After being declared a national monument by German Democratic Republic, the Wartburg has been restored so well that it looks incredibly similar to how it did in the 1500's.

Castle Yard
Digital ID: ppmsca 01153 Source: original
Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-ppmsca-01153 (digital file from original)
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA

 

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