Lübeck: Five reasons to visit The trading capital of northern Europe from the 13th to the 15th centuries, Lübeck left the imprint of its laws, business and architecture throughout the Baltic. Raven Travel Guides Europe takes a look at the attractions that preserve its legacy. 1. The city’s main gate Holstentor also serves as the museum of its history and trading influence. It remains Lübeck’s signature monument but its Hanseatic story is expected to move to a new museum near Burgtor next year. 2. The 13th century Marienkirche, not Lübeck’s cathedral, became with its giant towers the model for Gothic northern churches throughout the Baltic and northern Germany. The church was wrecked by bombing on Palm Sunday 1942 but some priceless treasures were saved. 3. The partly red-brick Gothic Rathaus was extended around the central marketplace from the 13th century to the 18th, becoming a catalogue of interior and exterior styles. 4. The Gothic towers and interior frescoes of the Heiligen-Geist-Hospital make it an architectural highlight but is one of Europe’s oldest charitable hospitals and aged-care institutions since the 13th century – work it continues. 5. There are two museums in the old St Annen monastery, of which the St Annen-Museum exhibits collections documenting the life of the Lübeck trading class and precious pieces of devotional art, chiefly the late 15th century Memling altar. A seven-page guide to Lübeck can be downloaded free from the Jewels of the Past section of Raven Travel Guides Germany at ravenguides.
Posted on: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 05:41:13 +0000
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