The area south-east of Berlin, called the Altmark, is characterized by the extensive use of red brick in most buildings, including churches and some monumental cathedrals dating back to the early middle ages. The quaint medieval town of Wittenberg on the Elbe river is proudly called Lutherstadt Wittenberg because German Reformation leader Martin Luther (1483-1546) who settled here about 1521 taught, preached and is buried at the St. Marien Evangelical Church.