| Luther memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg |
In December 1996, the Luther memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg were recognised by UNESCO as cultural heritage of universal significance. The justification of their selection explains that these buildings represent ‘an important moment in human history’ and that, as ‘authentic historical sites of the Reformation', they are of ‘unusually universal importance'.
The Luther memorials were among the first museums in Germany to be devoted to a person, their actions, and their historical legacy. The Luther Birthplace Museum has been a memorial site since 1693; the Luther Death House Museum was installed from 1892-94. Wittenberg’s former Augustinian monastery – where Luther lived with his family until the end of his life – was already drawing visitors shortly after Luther’s death. Thus, the hall of the Luther House was referred to as the 'Museum Lutheri' as early as 1655. The entire house was converted into a museum in 1883. 
The former home of the Humanist and Protestant reformer Philipp Melanchthon is another important memorial site related to the Reformation and has been preserved almost in its original form. Melanchthon lived and worked in Wittenberg for almost 42 years – longer than any other Protestant reformer.
Wittenberg’s parish church, St. Mary’s, and its 'Castle Church' are also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. |