This summer I had the priviledge of visiting the lovely town of Marburg in Germany. Having been at the Wartburg Castle earlier, I continued to follow in the footsteps of Elizabeth of Thuringia and Martin Luther. Both have an important connection to Marburg as well. Elizabeth founded a Franciscan hospital, which continued to be administered by the German Order (Teutonic Knights). Martin attended the meeting of Protestant leaders, including Zwingli, presided by the prince of Hessen in an attempt to unite the different religions.
Schloss Marburg.Marburg Colloquium, a 19th century interpretation.Modern interpretation in Pfarrerkirche.The ancient Lutheran city church, Pfarrerkirche, where Ludwig von Hessen was entombed.Elizabeth Kirche, Lutheran evangelical church, where the bones of Elizabeth of Thuringia were buried after her death.The shrine which used to hold the bones of St Elizabeth after their translation. After the Lutheran reformation, which disapproved of veneration of relics the prince of Hessen had the shrine emptied and ensured a proper secret burial for these at the ancient St Michael’s church. Nine years later some bones were retrieved, but these were most likely not Elizabeth’s, who probably continues to rest in peace in the graveyard of das Michelchen.Das Michelchen, an ancient chapel, hidden from sight, not far from the Elizabeth church in Marburg. Most probably the last resting place of St Elizabeth. From the parish I kindly received the key to have a private visit to this chapel for personal prayers.Interior of St Michael’s chapel.
