Lübeck Squares, Monuments & Churches

The landmark of Lübeck probably everyone knows from photographs is the Holstentor. But this is not the only great thing about Lübeck.

Lübeck's Altstadt with more than 1000 historical buildings became UNESCO world heritage in 1987. It was the first time that an entire historic city center in Northern Europe received this award. The reason was that Lübeck is quite unique with regard to architecture: Many buildings of the Middle Ages have not been destroyed during the wars. In addition, the skyline of Lübeck is really astonishing and once you have seen it, you will never forget it: It is dominated by the seven towers of the five main churches of Lübeck.

Everyone knows the Holstentor, the western city gate of Lübeck at the river Trave in Northern Germany. The two circular red towers are tilted towards each other and connected by a stepped gable.

Inside the Holstentor, there is the "Museum für Kunst und Kulturgeschichte Lübeck" (City History Museum).

The other still existing city gate of Lübeck is the "Burgtor" in the north of Lübeck's historic city center.

Built between the 13th and the 15th century, Lübeck's Rathaus at the Markt is supposed to be one of the most beautiful city halls in Germany. When you visit it, you should not miss its audience hall of rococo style.

Just behind the Markt, there is the twin-towered Marienkirche. With a height of 125 m, it is the third largest church in Germany and of course the largest of Lübeck'a five main churches.

In front of the church, there is a small devil's statue with quite an amazing story. As it is supposed to make lucky when you touch one of the paws of the devil, they have become quite shiny within the course of time.

Built in 1173, the also twin-towered Dom is Lübeck's oldest church. This cathedral of Romanesque style is located in a southern area of Lübeck's historic city center. Of course, it is also one of the churches that are part of Lübeck's unique skyline.

Located at the Koberg, the church St. Jakobi also belongs to the five main churches that are part of Lübeck's skyline. In contrast to the other churches, it was not destroyed during the wars and therefore, it still has its original shape.
Next to the church, there is the Heiligen-Geist-Hospital. This house used to be a home for the old and poor from the Middle Ages until the 1970s.

The Aegidienkirche also was not destroyed in the wars and still has its original shape. Located in the east of Lübeck's historic city center, it used to be the church of workmen. It is the smallest of the five main churches of Lübeck.

The Katharinenkirche of Gothic style used to be the church of a Franciscan monastery, the Katharinenkloster. As it does not have a tower, it is no part of the five towers of Lübeck's skyline. However, this building of gothic style is still worth a visit.

In the red-brick Salzspeicher behind the Holstentor, salt from Lüneburg used to be stored in former days.