Wonders of the world: the Hanseatic city of Lübeck

June 30, 2024

Wonders of the world: the Hanseatic city of Lübeck

June 25, 2024

On the shores of the Baltic Sea, nestled in the meanders of the River Trave, lies the city of Lübeck, a city whose ancient cobblestones and medieval buildings tell stories of a glorious past. A Hanseatic city par excellence, Lübeck was once the undisputed queen of the Hanseatic League, a powerful consortium of merchant cities that dominated northern European trade in the Middle Ages. Imagine a foggy morning, the first rays of sunlight barely piercing the damp veil that envelops the city. The slender church steeples pierce the mist, their silhouettes standing out against the pale sky. The distant sound of the bells of the Marienkirche echoes through the narrow streets, calling residents to start their day. In the heart of Lübeck, the majestic Holstentor, a fortified gate dating from the 15th century, stands like a timeless sentinel. Its two round towers and its red brick wall are decorated with sculptures and inscriptions which testify to the ancient power of the city. At its feet, the constant flow of locals and visitors creates a bustling market atmosphere, reminiscent of the days when merchants from all over Europe flocked here to trade spices, silks, and grains. The streets of Lübeck are lined with Gothic-style gabled houses, whose red brick facades are often decorated with relief patterns. Among them, the Buddenbrook house, made famous by the eponymous novel by Thomas Mann, stands proudly, witness to the literary history of the town. Inside, richly decorated rooms tell the story of this family of merchants through the centuries. Strolling through the streets, you discover hidden interior courtyards, narrow passages and small secret gardens, where time seems to have stood still. The scents of fresh bread and pastries waft from the bakeries, while welcoming cafes invite passersby to stop for a cup of coffee accompanied by Marzipan, the local almond paste specialty. Along the port, the old salt warehouses, built in the Middle Ages, still stand, symbols of Lübeck's thriving trade. Sailboats and fishing boats anchored along the quays add a picturesque touch to the cityscape, while the squawking of seagulls and lapping water create a natural symphony. As night falls, the city lights up with a golden glow. Street lamps cast dancing shadows on the brick walls, and illuminated churches stand like silent guardians of this glorious past. Lübeck, with its timeless charm and rich history, continues to seduce and enchant all those who tread its cobblestones, a city where every street corner whispers the secrets of a bygone but never forgotten era.