Foto: Tourist-Information ZerbstThe hall of the Augustinian monasteryWhile visiting Zerbst, you will be confronted by unique evidence of its eventful history, which reaches back more than 1000 years. The nearly complete city walls from the Middle Ages, the Baroque community centre, and the princely residence all contribute to this picture. Zerbst was Anhalt’s largest and most important city during the Reformation. As early as 1522, the city council of Zerbst invited Luther to the city, where he gave sermons in the Augustinian monastery, among other places.

The monasteries become a school and a hospital

His new ideas fell on fertile soil here, and Zerbst made history by becoming the first city in Anhalt to embrace the new faith. In keeping with Luther’s teachings, the Augustinian monastery was converted into an almshouse; a school – initially strongly influenced by Melanchthon – was founded in the former Franciscan monastery.

It still houses the oldest, largest, and best-preserved 'Gymnasium' (grammar school); its historical library contains writings from the Reformation and other precious items.