Lateran Palace/Scala Sancta

I initially chose the Lateran Palace just because of its convenient location as I am visiting Rome on free travel. However when we (Gavin and I) went to visit the palace it was not very easily accessible at the moment. If you walked across the street you found Scala Sancta, or better known as the ‘Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs.’ According to catholic doctrine, these stairs are the stairs that Jesus walked on during his trials and led up to Pontius Pilate. These stairs were moved from Jerusalem to Rome to make this sanctuary. Today these stairs can be walked on, however it is required to walk on your knees, even though the stairs itself is covered up with wood. We did not walk up ourselves but it was an amazing site to see, especially when we had not planned to go initially. But what significance does this have to the Reformation? In 1510 Martin Luther himself climbed up these stairs, on his knees like everybody else, but he questioned himself and the catholic church afterwards, one of many doubts he has had about the church itself. Which would eventually develop into a questioning of catholic doctrine, which would then develop into him challenging them. Thus beginning the era of reformation.

Westminster Abbey

I chose Westminster Abbey because not only did it change the direction of the reformation, but I also got to visit there. It had a very significant impact on the English reformation and one could even mark it as perhaps the most important historical sites in that area. King Henry VIII signed the ‘Dissolution of Monasteries’ which essentially took away the power the Catholic Church had over them. Because of this the church became independent (at least from catholicism) and adapted several protestant beliefs, becoming a center point in the reformation. The general direction England was heading towards shifted entirely because of this decree made by Henry VIII. The church still holds a large significance today, including hosting royal events such as weddings and other national ceremonies. I find it quite interesting because the church itself still has a role in today’s world. A lot of these places we have visited such as basilicas and cathedrals only purpose now is tourism and mass. Whereas Westminster still has an important place and role in the monarchy rule of England.

Basilica of St. Servatius:

I chose to talk about the Basilica of St. Servatius because not only did we visit there, but it has a very unique placement. It is actually located near the Church of St. John, both in Maastricht, right next door to one another. It was very intriguing to me that the two would be that close but have served much different purposes. As it was one of the first Churches/Basilica’s we had visited as a group, I was very impressed with the architecture. It was very reminiscent of Romanesque architecture. The church itself serves the purpose as a burial spot for St. Servatius, and it was a Roman Catholic church. During the time of the reformation it faced a lot of pressure from the protestant movement to revoke the catholic beliefs, but it stayed as a catholic church, however, instead of fighting, they embraced the incoming changes but still stood strong. Because of this they were able to preserve many artifacts, despite the reformation destroying many items and relics in different churches. The church itself now stands as a testament of the strength and endurance of the church.

Wartburg Castle

I chose Wartburg Castle as it could easily be one of the more if not most important places in the history of the Reformation. This castle would be called home or a safe place for Martin Luthor during all the turmoil that took place during the reformation. He would be housed there after his excommunication from the Catholic Church. Funny enough, he would be disguised as a knight. Whose name would be Junker. I just found that funny and surprising. However, what is important is that during this time hidden was likely the most important period of the reformation, as this is when he worked on translating the Bible to German. Wartburg would house the beginning of Luthor’s translation which became the backbone to Protestantism and the reformation movements.

St. Paul's Cathedral

 Located in London, I chose to write about St. Paul's Cathedral. This specific cathedral stood witness to many changes throughout the reformation, even though construction was not finished till much later. The church was actually originally a catholic church, but transitioned soon after, becoming a staple church of protestant worship. It underwent many changes due to the reformation. Throughout the church there was a lot of iconoclasm and the destruction of many religious objects that were important to the catholic church. The Papal power no longer had control of this Church. While we were in London I found this Cathedral very interesting as it stood out more to me and some of the other buildings. According to its history (not related to reformation) It was one of the few buildings and churches to survive the Great Fire of 1666 that swept through London. Which to the people could be seen as a sign of God. The Dramatic change this church endured during the reformation, during a time where it was still being constructed, shows just how important and powerful the reformation was, to the church and to the people. It has endured many changes and still stands today.