Could a thunderstorm change the course of history? Near Stotternheim, east of Erfurt, stands the Luther Linde Stone. This stone marks a pivotal moment in the life of Martin Luther. On July 2, 1505, young Luther, a law student, was traveling back to Erfurt from his parents’ home in Mansfeld. Caught in a fierce thunderstorm, terrified for his life, he cried out, “Help, St. Anne, I will become a monk!” The Luther Linde Stone commemorates this desperate plea. Fifteen days later, Luther entered the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt. He took his vows the following year and was ordained a priest in 1507. The thunderstorm and Luther’s vow are often cited as the starting point of the Reformation. The original Luther Linde Stone, made of Swedish granite, was placed at this location in 1917. The site is now a peaceful green space for reflection. It offers benches, a shelter, and ample parking.
Adlerwerke
From bicycles to Nazi atrocities, the Adlerwerke in Frankfurt has witnessed a tumultuous history. The Adlerwerke, meaning “Eagle Works,” began