|
Lübeck, the 850-year-old “City of Seven Spires”, is
nestled on an island in the River Trave just inland from
the Baltic. As the capital of the rich and powerful
Hanseatic League of north European trading towns, Lübeck
controlled the Baltic trade for centuries and was one of
mediaeval Germany’s largest cities. As a result, its
artistic and architectural heritage is enormous. UNESCO
has declared the city a World Heritage Site, and Lübeck
has more mediaeval buildings (over 1000) than all other
North German towns put together.
Lübeck is a city of great Gothic churches – the
Cathedral and St Mary’s are two of the largest in
Northern Europe – and it is especially rich in
Renaissance and Baroque mansions. It is a city of narrow
winding lanes and hidden courtyards, of steep gables and
half-timbered houses, the Holsten Gate is an interesting
sight while the ancient town hall is one of the most
famous in Germany. Lübeck is also the birthplace of
Thomas Mann, and the “Buddenbrook” house at 4
Mengstrasse, where the Mann family once lived, is now a
museum.
Lübeck is an easy drive from Hamburg, the nearest
airport, while the old port of Travemünde, nearby on the
Baltic, is now a fashionable seaside resort. The ancient
island cathedral town of Ratzeburg is also close by, as
is the delightful Holstein Lake District, with its
gently rolling wooded landscapes, quiet tree-lined roads
and secluded manor houses. |
