After Worms

In what will most likely prove to be our last spring break here in Germany, the Lopez family stayed close to home.  Day trips to Eisenach, Riedenburg, and Kelheim-to-Weltenburg revealed to us some hidden gems.

With previous excursions to Wittenberg (Luther's 95 Theses) and Veste Coburg (Luther took refuge and translated parts of the Bible into German), we continued adding to our Reformation history by visiting the Wartburg in Eisenach.

Martin Luther sought refuge in the bailiff's lodge at the Wartburg.  

"During the months of his protective custody, he lived and worked in a sparsely furnished room, today known as the Luther Room.  In only 10 weeks he translated the New Testament 

from the original Greek texts into German."

the Luther Room

We enjoyed a guided tour of the grounds and learned quite a bit about the history of this castle.  Our guide informed us that the first "bathrooms" were double-seaters and that many business transactions were conducted in this seemingly unlikely location ... thus, "taking care of business" or "doing your business" finds its beginnings here at the Wartburg.  (I remain somewhat skeptical.)

On the grounds of the Wartburg

The room with the fireplace (on the left) is known as Saint Elizabeth's room, and the walls and ceiling are covered in mosaic artwork depicting the story of her life.  She lived in the court from 1211-1228, and her ascetic way of life was based on the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi.

Two interesting facts about the large room on the right.  First, in 1817, five hundred students gathered for the Wartburgfest, the first middle-class democratic public meeting in Germany.  Their meeting also marked the 300th anniversary of the Reformation. And secondly, King Ludwig II of Bavaria copied this design for his Neuschwanstein Castle (the Cinderella castle) built between 1869 and 1886.

Best of all, there were cannons.