Discover the history of Gotha: guided tours through the monastery and church!

Discover the history of Gotha: guided tours through the monastery and church!

A fascinating journey through time into the history of the city's churches opens in Gotha on October 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Organized by the KulTourStadt Gotha, the public tours take interested parties through Augustinian monastery in Gotha and the Margaret Church. This event is aimed not only at history enthusiasts, but also at families who are ready to gain a deeper insight into the local culture.

The Augustinian Monastery in Gotha is one of the oldest monastic complexes in the region and can look back on more than 750 years of eventful history. Visitors can expect the Look at the architecture and life of the Augustinian hermits. With an important connection to Martin Luther, who stayed in the monastery and preached here in 1515 and 1516, the Reformation comes to life. Legend has it that during his sermon, stones fell from the gable end, which was interpreted as the devil's wrath. But it wasn't just his stays that shaped the monastery; The restructuring of the church interior during the Reformation was also significantly influenced here.

Johannine stories in the Margarethenkirche

A short walk from there takes visitors to Margarethenkirche, the main church in Gotha. This is strongly influenced by the Baroque era and, with its simple hall church after the Second World War, represents a fascinating contrast to the opulent past. The burial site of the builder of Friedenstein Castle and Luise Dorothea of ​​Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg is particularly instructive, which illustrates the theological and cultural interconnections of this city.

• Beginn der Tradition als Musikkirche mit Musikfest im Jahr 1812
• Verbindung zur friedlichen Revolution
• Historische Bezüge zur Reformation

The meeting point for the tours is at the Schellenbrunnen fountain on the Lower Main Market. Here participants can purchase tickets, which cost 11.00 euros for adults and 4.00 euros for children up to 16 years of age (admission is free for children under 6 years of age). Tickets are available in advance at the “Gotha adelt – Tourist Information and Shop” store (Hauptmarkt 40), or they can be reserved by phone on 03621 510 450 or by email at tourist-info@gotha-adelt.de. If you would like to make a decision at short notice, you have the option of obtaining remaining tickets from the tour guide on site.

A look at the architecture

The Reformation also had a significant impact on the architecture of Protestant churches. These changes began in the 16th century, when many churches were remodeled to meet the demands of the new faith. Because Martin Luther viewed churches as meeting houses, conventional structures began to falter. Statues and indulgence boxes disappeared, and the priest appeared more as part of the community. Luther's teaching led This meant that special attention was paid to the pulpit as a central element in the church in order to be able to communicate better with the believers.

This fascinating combination of history, faith and architecture is waiting to be discovered. Be there and take part in a cultural journey through Gotha that not only shows history, but also tells lively stories.