Germany marks the 500th anniversary when Martin Luther created Protestantism (Photo)

Germany celebrates its 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation on Tuesday with a national holiday and ceremonies in the eastern town of Wittenberg, where Martin Luther began sharing with the Catholic Church that transformed Christianity and Europe.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and State Prime Minister Sachsen-Anhal Reiner Hasseloff will participate in certain ceremonies to be organised in Wittenberg, starting with a church service Tuesday afternoon at the City Castle Church and finishing in the evening with a ceremony in the city hall.

They will join other German politicians and numerous international guests, reports “Deutsche Welle”, the Periscopi broadcast.

Prior to the anniversary, Merkel said in a post Tuesday's ceremonies offer “the opportunity to reflect on changes resulting from the Reformation”.

Luther, a professor of theology and priest, questioned the teachings of the Catholic Church and challenged Vatican authority through “95 His” Tees.

He is believed to have nailed himself to the door of the Church of Wittenberg Castle on October 31, 1517.

The performance to be performed by musicians and actors will take place at the historic center of the town of Wittenberg, which was designed to recreate the medieval era in which Luther lived.

Visitors can also participate in a modern city art exhibition, as well as an easy show./Periscopi/