On May 14, the Castle and City Church congregations celebrated the Ascension Day service in the castle courtyard.

ONE—this was the title given to the Ascension service held in the castle courtyard. What happens when the One—around whom disciples have gathered until now, and who has been the very center of their lives and faith—ascends into heaven (Acts 1:1–14)? Jesus himself intercedes on behalf of his followers and all those who will join them in the course of time (John 17:20–26). And the deepest desire of his heart in this prayer is that people be one—one heart and one soul, a steadfast community. A unity that comes from the heart and finds its roots and strength in the One who remains the center of the Church: Jesus Christ. The readings, hymns, prayers, and sermon all revolved around these themes.

"Frederick's Castle Through the Ages"

Change – Impact – Vision

In commemoration of Frederick the Wise. A guided tour through parts of the South Tower and the Reformation History Research Library.

Dates (last Friday of the month): May 29 / June 26 / July 31 / August 28 / September 25 / October 30, 2026

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. • Price: €5.00 per person, reduced* €3.50

(*Students, pupils up to age 27, family/social pass holders, and people with disabilities with valid ID)

Maximum number of participants: 20 people | Short-notice changes are possible.

An invitation is extended to a cantata concert on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Castle Church in Wittenberg. The program centers on the cantata "Sei Lob und Ehr dem höchsten Gut" by Johann Sebastian Bach. This cantata combines a festive character with a particularly cheerful and dance-like overall mood. Particular highlights include the concertante opening and closing choruses; interspersed between them are musically diverse arias, recitatives, and a chorale.

The other works featured in the concert also revolve around the theme of "Praise and Thanksgiving": the program includes the cantata "Ich will singen von der Gnade des Herrn" by Thomaskantor Sebastian Knüpfer, as well as additional chorales, sacred concertos, songs, and arias by Heinrich Schütz, Johann Crüger, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, and Antonín Dvořák.

The performance features the *Schola Cantorum Adam Rener*, accompanied by the *Orchester musica juventa Halle* and organist Philipp Spielmann. The solo parts are performed by Nina Schumertl (mezzo-soprano), Fridolin Wissemann (tenor), and Rainer Weiss (baritone). Musical direction is provided by KMD Ulrich Hirtzbruch.

Admission is free; donations are requested at the exit.

The castle church can be visited at the following times: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday or public holidays from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The tower opens at the same time as the castle church, last ascent possible until 4 p.m. Update: On May 13, 2026, the Visitor Center will remain closed! The Castle Church is open for visits from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Entrance: street side, next to the tower). The tower is open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (last ascent at 3:00 p.m.). Tokens for the tower are available at the Tourist Information office. [Info dated May 12, 2026]