Hanseatic City of Lübeck in Germany

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
World Heritage: Hanseatic City of Lübeck

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1987
Size of heritage: 81 ha
- Buffer zone: 694 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 10,692°
Latitude: 53,867°

Summary

Lübeck – the former capital and Queen City of the Hanseatic League – was founded in the 12th century and prospered until the 16th century as the major trading centre for northern Europe. It has remained a centre for maritime commerce to this day, particularly with the Nordic countries. Despite the damage it suffered during the Second World War, the basic structure of the old city, consisting mainly of 15th- and 16th-century patrician residences, public monuments (the famous Holstentor brick gate), churches and salt storehouses, remains unaltered.

Location on Map

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The Hanseatic City of Lübeck: A Historic Gem in Germany

The Hanseatic City of Lübeck, located in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds a significant place in European history. This enchanting city, situated on the banks of the River Trave, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and its role as a prominent trading hub during the Hanseatic League.

History

Lübeck's history dates back to the 12th century when it was founded as a trading settlement by Count Adolf II of Schauenburg. Its strategic location on the Baltic Sea made it an ideal center for maritime trade, and it quickly flourished. In 1226, Lübeck became a free imperial city, granting it autonomy and allowing it to establish its own laws and governance.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, Lübeck became a leading member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful alliance of merchant guilds that dominated trade in Northern Europe. The city's wealth grew exponentially, and it became a major player in the Baltic Sea trade routes. The iconic Holstentor, a medieval city gate, stands as a testament to Lübeck's historical significance during this period.

However, Lübeck's golden age came to an end in the 16th century when the city faced economic decline due to changing trade patterns and political unrest. Despite this setback, Lübeck managed to preserve its architectural heritage, and its historic city center remains remarkably intact.

Current State

Today, the Hanseatic City of Lübeck is a captivating destination that attracts visitors from around the world. Its UNESCO World Heritage status, awarded in 1987, recognizes the city's outstanding universal value and its exceptional preservation of medieval architecture.

The historic city center, known as the Altstadt, is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with picturesque gabled houses, grand churches, and charming courtyards. St. Mary's Church, the largest brick Gothic church in Germany, dominates the skyline with its impressive spires. The Rathaus, or City Hall, is another architectural gem that showcases the city's rich history.

One of the highlights of a visit to Lübeck is exploring the Holstentor, the city's most famous landmark. This imposing gate, with its twin towers and red-brick facade, serves as a symbol of Lübeck's medieval past. Inside, the Holstentor Museum offers insights into the city's history and the Hanseatic League.

Address
Distance: 0,4 mi
Mühlenbrücke 6
23552 Lübeck
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:30 - 19:00 (lunchbreak: 13:00 - 15:00)
Weekend: 7:30 - 19:00 (lunchbreak: 13:00 - 15:00)

Videos from the area

Lübeck Anno 2012

Published: March 04, 2013
Length: 26:15 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Tobias Lang

Ein Trip durch die Altstadt von Lübeck. Von Nord nach Süd. Alles noch in dem wunderbaren Hansestadt stil erhalten A trip through the historic city center. From north to south. Everything...

BALAUERFOUR-Verschollen im Bornkamp

Published: September 30, 2009
Length: 08:52 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: balauerfour

Die Lübecker DeutschRockband bietet einen exclusiven Einblick in ihren Proberaum und verhacktstückt hier in dem Titel" Verschollen im Bornkamp" die Sehnsucht des Menschen nach einem Heim...

Balticult meets Defacto Art

Published: January 27, 2010
Length: 43:16 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Martin Staszak

This video documents a cultural meeting between two civil societies from Nothern Germany in the Hanseatic City of Lübeck. It may at the same time give an example, how contamporary forms...

deutsch_lübsch_düütsch

Published: September 03, 2009
Length: 47:49 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Martin Staszak

This short film was created as a result of a workshop, taking place at St. Annen's Art Hall in Lübeck. The idea of this workshop was to use the running exebition 'German Paintings' as...

Zimmer, Insekten machen Musik, Schulorchester des Katharineums, Lübeck

Published: December 06, 2012
Length: 16:35 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: diedihamp

Das Schulorchester des Katharineums zu Lübeck spielt bei der Verleihung des Preises der Katharina-Stiftung am 30.11.2012 in der Aula der Schule "Insekten machen Musik (Naturstudie)" von Carl...

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