Holsten Gate (Holstentor)

The fortified gate from the 15th century is the landmark of Lübeck, symbolizing not only the well-fortified medieval town but also the self-confidence of the former Queen of the Hanseatic League. Within the gate, the museum houses a presentation dedicated to the life and work of Lübeck merchants. The exhibition invites visitors to travel back in time with a Lübeck merchant. It was just this breed of brave and talented merchant to whom Lübeck owes its success. The merchant class helped shape commerce, politics, culture, law and society during the heyday of the Hanseatic League. Because of its location in the trading zone of the Baltic Sea, Lübeck grew to be the political and commercial hub of northern Europe. The city became the leader of the powerful Hanseatic League, a shipping, legal and commercial association of more than 200 cities.

This era saw the construction of the five monumental churches whose seven towers still define the city's skyline today. The Brick Gothic style has left a similar stamp on the city. There are currently more than a thousand buildings - from Romanesque to modern - that are under protection as monuments in the old portion of Lübeck. The entire cityscape was declared to be a World Heritage site by UNESCO in December of 1987.

Address:
Holstentorplatz, D-23552 Lübeck
Phone: +49 (0)451/122 -4129
Fax: +49 (0)451/122 -4183
Email: mkk@luebeck.de

Opening hours:
April-September: daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
October-March: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
(every 1st Thursday of the month open until 9 p.m.)