Torgau

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Torgau was interesting to us for different reasons. One reason is the connection with the Reformation and the other is the fact that the Russian and the American armies met near Torgau in 1945, an event marking an important step toward the end of the World War II in Europe. Sights in Torgau include the Hartenfels castle, the historic town centre, restored since the unification, a brewery museum (checked out by some of our group), and a monument for the meeting of the Russian and American troops on the Elbe. A local historian came aboard and told us about the meeting of the Russian and American troops during the Second World War on April 25, 1945, which is now remembered as "Elbe Day". A detailed history of the occasion can be found here. After we docked in Torgau, we first walked to the monument and took photos of our travel group there. There were posters around the city still commemorating the event. In Torgau, the spiritual center of the German Reformation, Hartenfels Castle is the most significant building of the townscape. It was here that the Torgau Articles laid the foundation for the Augsburg Confession, where the first Protestant songbook was published, and where the Protestant rulers signed the Torgau Royal League. This is also where Luther's wife Katharina von Bora died and was buried in St. Mary's Church. The chapel in the early Renaissance Hartenfels castle was built in 1544 and combines late Gothic with early Renaissance elements. It was consecrated by Martin Luther on October 5, 1544. It is said that "Wittenberg was the Mother of the Reformation and Torgau was its wet-nurse." In Torgau, the spiritual center of the German Reformation, Hartenfels Castle is the most significant building of the townscape, an outstanding masterpiece in one of Germany's most beautiful Renaissance towns. The entrance to the castle. The courtyard of the castle. The outdoor staircase of the castle. The rear gate of the castle. The town hall of Torgau. St. Mary's Church. The interior of St. Mary's Church where Luther's wife is buried. Next we sail to Meissen.