Imagine Martin Luther's father's delight as he sent his gifted son to the leading University in Germany - the equivalent of Harvard or Oxford. Today you can walk the same medieval cobbled streets that Luther, Goethe and Bach walked. The magnificent Renaissance buildings speak of the great prosperity of the town in the Middle ages, due to the trade routes. You'll be fascinated by the Tradesman's Bridge - the largest inhabited bridge in Northern Europe.

Erfurt was founded in 742 by Boniface and grew into one of Germany's spiritual centers. How fitting that years later, Luther would read the complete Bible for the first time and embark on a spiritual search for truth which has impacted each one of us..

The University in Erfurt was founded by wealthy merchants in 1392. In 1816 the University was closed by the Prussians and in 1945 it was almost completely destroyed. Today it's been restored and you can also enjoy a visit to the traditional students’ district of Erfurt, the Andreasviertel.

Luther the student: Luther was sent to Erfurt University by his father Hans, who wanted the best university for his son. At that time it had approximately one thousand students and four colleges: Theology, Liberal Arts, Medicine and Law. He studied law, as his Father had wished, earning a liberal arts degree in 1502 and a Master's arts degree in February 1505. While he was there, he learned Latin and cultivated his love of music. He also continued his religious training, attending mass regularly and praying daily. In 1503 while in the library, he found a rare copy of the complete Bible. As he read, he realized that there was so much more of God's word than the fragments used in Church services. (Read more about of his life in Erfurt by clicking here) Back to top

The Augustinian Monastery as built in 1277. In the Second World War it was badly damaged but was rebuilt in authentic historical style. The Monastery now serves as an internationally renowned conference and seminar center for the Protestant Church in Saxony. It houses a permanent exhibition that depicts the history of the Bible and the history of the monastery. Since 1996 a group of evangelical nuns from the order of St Benedict from the Casteller Ring Community have been living, praying and working in the Monastery. They conduct the church’s canonical prayers 4 times a day and attend services in St Augustus Church.

Luther the monk: Luther entered the Monastery on July 17, 1505 and joined the Augustinian Order of Hermit. While he was there, he studied the Bible and teachings of the Catholic Church. He memorized much of both the New and the Old Testament, reading 10 Psalms a day. His reading led him to see God as a righteous judge and he became keenly aware of his own imperfection. He fulfilled the rigorous duties of a monk, but compulsively, in a desperate attempt to achieve forgiveness.(Read more about of his life in Erfurt by clicking here) Back to top.