St Augustine's Monastery

The Augustinian monastery where Martin Luther studied theology and was ordained as a priest, one of the most significant sites in Reformation history. The complex includes the Luther cell — a small, spare room where Luther is said to have slept during his years here — as well as the monastery church, cloister, and a museum covering Luther's life and the Reformation.

What makes the Augustinerkloster unusual is that it functions simultaneously as a historical monument, a working Protestant retreat centre, and a hotel — guests can stay in simply furnished rooms in the historic building. The church, with its medieval stained glass (partially reconstructed after World War II bombing), is beautiful and still used for services. Guided tours run daily; booking is advisable in summer.

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A story
Martin Luther arrived here as a student in 1505, during a thunderstorm so violent that he promised Saint Anne he would become a monk if he survived. He did survive, and he kept his word. Two years later he was ordained as a priest in the monastery church. He left for Wittenberg in 1511 and never returned to live in Erfurt.

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