Luther tower: A symbol of reconciliation in Magdeburg's history!

Luther tower: A symbol of reconciliation in Magdeburg's history!

in Magdeburg comes to life! A new chapter is now being opened in the Augustinian monastery, where Martin Luther stayed 500 years ago. In its place, a modern Premonstratensian monastery is being built. But the old Luther tower, which was badly damaged in the Second World War, remains a mysterious witness of the past. An old photo put Father Clemens on the track: "Until 1945, from the cathedral, you could read the inscription on the wall: Lutherstube." And that's not all! Numerous remains of the wall came to light during the construction work, including a chamber from Romanesque times over a thousand year old.

The Luther tower, a stummer witness of the destruction, has suffered a lot in its long history. "We have five wall reinforcements to the Elbe. The next war, the next destruction, came every 70 years," says Father Clemens. But the remains of the tower are not yet accessible because the construction work is still running. One goal is to integrate the Luther tower into the city tours. However, the question remains how to use these historical ruins permanently.

Future plans for the Luther tower

The ideas are still in the initial phase, as Father Clemens admits. "We hope that at some point there will be an idea that is also related to financing." An enchanting vision would be to extend the series of towers on the city wall again. But that doesn't have to be historically true to the original - the imagination is required!

The Luther tower and the new monastery are part of the "Ecumenical Höfe Magdeburg" project, which includes the Wallonian Church, the St. Petri University Church and the Magdalen Chapel. Here Evangelical, Catholic and Reformed communities work peacefully after they have been hostile for centuries. A sign of reconciliation that is breaking new ground in Magdeburg!