Annaburg market and Stifel fountain

The Stifel fountain on the Annaburg market commemorates a somewhat strange historical event. The priest and mathematician Michael Stifel (1487-1567) had proclaimed the end of the world for Sunday, October 19, 1533 based on some “word calculations” he had effected using Bible texts. Luther warned Stifel against his erroneous belief. Even the elector told him to be silent. But it was too late: from near and far, the faithful traveled to Lochau expecting that fateful day to be nigh. Many sold their belongings, spending their last pennies in the village taverns. When the end of the world didn’t come, officials had to save Stifel from an angry crowd.