Torgau

Power centre of the Protestant Reformation

Torgau: Welcome to a Renaissance beauty

Magnificent buildings from the 16th century make this town on the Elbe river a Renaissance treasure chest. Under Elector Frederick the Wise, the local Hartenfels Castle became the political centre of the Protestant Reformation and Martin Luther was a frequent guest at court. He consecrated the castle chapel, built in 1544, as the first Protestant church building ever. Luther's later wife Katharina von Bora also spent a lot of time in Torgau and eventually died in the town. Her grave in the St. Mary’s Church is well worth seeing.

Visitors will delight in the more than 1000-year-old town’s scenic surroundings with over 600 architectural monuments, including stunning Renaissance structures such as the house of mayor Paul Ringenhain. The residential floors of the building from 1596 are largely preserved in their original state and feature wonderful wall and ceiling paintings.

„Don't believe everything you hear, don't say everything you want, don't do everything you like.”
- Martin Luther, Protestant Reformer and professor of theology, 1483-1546 -

48 hours in Torgau

Unique architectural monuments, exciting museums, and culinary delights. Take a look at the most beautiful sights, things to do and insider tips for a long weekend in Torgau.

Our insider tips

  • Following in the footsteps of the Reformation: Torgau is considered the political centre of the Reformation. Martin Luther came to town more than 60 times and sites related to the Reformation, among them the castle chapel, the first Protestant church, and the grave of Luther's wife, Katharina von Bora, in the St. Mary’s Church can all be visited.

  • Military history monument: In April 1945, US and Soviet soldiers met on the Elbe near Torgau, thus symbolising the near end of the war. Exhibitions and monuments also provide information about Soviet special camps and the GDR’s only youth detention centre.

  • The Priest´s House of Georg Spalatin: In this beautifully restored priest’s house dating back to 1493/94, visitors can discover the life and work of the Protestant "original cantor" Johann Walter and of Georg Spalatin, Martin Luther's closest friend and "helmsman" of the Reformation.

     

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