Renaissance & Reformation in Eastern Germany

3rd – 11th May 2008 with Anthony Earl

Germany in the later middle ages had a very turbulent history. Cities and small principalities vied with each other for power and influence, wealthy cities grew rapidly, based on trade and commerce. The nobles, churchmen and merchants lavished their wealth on buildings: palaces, churches, town halls and houses were enriched with paintings and sculpture and all were much influenced by the Renaissance ideas and tastes that spread from the south. The Reformation spread Protestantism through many of the German principalities and cities, but this was not a peaceful movement and resulted in revolt, war and destruction that ravaged many areas by the 16th & 17th centuries.

This tour is intended for all of us interested in German culture and history, and is an opportunity to visit some of the areas that have been relatively closed to the West until the reunification of Germany.
We will travel by air and coach, and for short journeys by train, to visit those cities and small towns closely associated with the Reformation and with the Renaissance art to which it was linked. Although Martin Luther is a centre of interest, we shall spend time appreciating other great cultural figures in literature, art and music. Most notable were Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) who came from Nuremburg and was deeply influenced by Italian Renaissance ideas, and his contemporary Lucas Cranach (1472-1553) who was noted for his portraits, including those of Luther. Much later, J S Bach, who was a devout Lutheran, worked in Leipzig, Brandenburg and other cities. There may be opportunities to hear musical performances.
Old German cities have a particular lively charm, and the landscape of eastern Germany has sweeping hills, gentle valleys and wide views.