Melanchthon House (006QR2)
Melanchthon House
Melanchthon House with its distinctive gable is a Re-naissance architectural gem in Wittenberg’s old town. With its original appearance remaining virtually unchanged since it was erected in the 16th century, it still retains much of its original charm. It was built in 1536 by Elector John Frederick of Saxony for Martin Luther’s associate Philipp Melanchthon, a professor of Greek, in order to persuade this internationally renowned scholar to remain at the University of Wittenberg. In addition to Melanchthon and his family, the property was also inhabited by several students.
In the run-up to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, Melanchthon House was restored and made fully accessible, and a new wing added. In addition to expanding the exhibition space, the new section protects the historic building by housing auxiliary functions for the museum such as the ticket desk, souvenir shop and toilets. Melanchthon House’s garden with its herb beds is also well worth seeing.
