Lübeck – A Symbol of the Hanseatic League

Lübeck Cultural Attractions Symbolize its Great Past as a Free Hanseatic City:

Lubeck - Aerial View © Travelsignposts

Founded in 1143, this picturesque medieval town of Lübeck was a member of the powerful Hanseatic League and up to this day its cultural attractions symbolize the great past of Lübeck as free Hanseatic city.

Lübeck was founded as the first German city on the Baltic Sea. The historic Old Town which is surrounded by water is a significant symbol of brick stone architecture from the Gothic period. Since the Middle Ages, seven towers have dominated the skyline of this former mercantile power.  This marvel of north-German Gothic brick architecture is a big attraction for fans of Backsteingotik.

Lübeck’s Nest of  Heritage Sites

Lübeck’s most famous resident, Thomas Mann, once described the city as this “Specific Nest”.   The most important buildings in the nest are listed as World Heritage sites, including the Rathaus (one of the most famous Town Halls in Germany), the convent Burgkloster, a completely preserved quarter of the late 13th century (Koberg) with St. Jacob’s Church, the Heiliger-Geist Hospital (the Holy Ghost hospital) and all the buildings between Glockengießerstraße and Aegidiensstraße, a quarter with patrician houses of the 15th and 16th century between St. Peter’s Church and Lübeck’s Cathedral, the impressive Holsten Gate and the salt warehouses on the left side of the River Trave.

Lübeck’s Old Town is the first Old Town in Germany ever officially declared a Cultural World Heritage Site in 1987. The memorial plate in the Town Hall reminds of this recognition. Also the archaeological underground of the Old Town with an amount of nearly three million findings is part of it.

Lübeck is a big draw for lovers of culture, history and the maritime way of life and it’s not hard to see why.  There is a lot to excite visitors in this fascinating medieval town centre – from winding alleys and passages to old merchants’ houses, the world renowned Holsten Gate and the historic Old Town.

Lübeck is so unique that the UNESCO declared the whole town a world cultural heritage site already in 1987. In all, more than 1,000 buildings are part of this protected ensemble, including the churches of St. James and St. Peter, the Town Hall, the castle monastery, the Heiliger-Geist Hospital, the Cathedral and the Holsten Gate.

To the visitor, a stroll through Lübeck’s narrow lanes and courtyards brings the Middle Ages to life.

More on Lübeck and photos we took when we return to Sydney.

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