Cranach yards

The famous painter Lucas Cranach the Elder was summoned to the Saxon court in Wittenberg in 1505 by Elector Frederick the Wise. He lived here for almost half a century and created those paintings that are now in the world's great museums: He portrayed the electors and reformers, designed altarpieces or small cabinet pieces on Venus, Eve & Co.

In today's Cranach House at Markt 4, Lucas Cranach ran a print shop together with Christian Döring, where, among other things, Martin Luther's translation of the Bible was reproduced. In 1517/1518 Cranach acquired the largest Wittenberg farm at Schlossstrasse 1 in order to expand his workshop. After he received the pharmacy privilege, he traded here in paper, paints, sugar, wax, sandstone and spices.

Today, both courtyards are listed buildings and attract visitors with arts and crafts and culture. In the Cranach House at Markt 4 you can discover the exhibition "Lucas Cranach the Elder - Pages of an Artist's Life" and watch artists at work.

In the Cranach-Hof at Schlossstraße 1 you will find the historic printers' room, where you can gain an insight into the old techniques of letterpress printing. In "Café 3" or in the "Hofwirtschaft" you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of cake and let the historical ambience take effect on you.