Holstentor or Holsten Gate is a city gate marking the western border of the medieval Hanseatic city center of Lübeck, Germany.
The Holstein Gate, or Holstentor, is a part of the medieval city fortifications that have survived to this day, erected to protect Lübeck from the northwest.The Holstein Gate is a symbol of the city of Lübeck, which in the XIV-XVI centuries was one of the largest centers of the Hanseatic trade union of free imperial cities.
The gates that have survived to this day consist of the north and south towers connected by a central span. The main material for the construction of the towers was black and red glazed bricks. The windows were made in the form of loopholes.
The Holstein Gate, as part of the city’s fortifications, was erected at the end of the 15th century as a central link in the system of defensive structures that encircled the historic core of the port city of Lübeck along the banks of the Trave and Wakenitz rivers
Nowadays, the Museum of the History of the City works in the Holstein Gate. Concerts, as well as spectacular and cultural performances are often held in the square in front of the gate.
Today, the Holstein Gate, along with other medieval buildings in the historic center of Lübeck, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Access : Coordinates: 53.8662, 10.6797 / Holstentor located near train station/ZOB bus terminal.
Highlights :
- The Holstein Gate, which has survived to this day, consists of two towers, north and south, and a central span connecting them. The towers are built of tiers of red and black glazed bricks, the windows are loopholes.
- Since 1950, the Museum of the History of the City has been located in the Holstein Gate. The park-square in front of the gate is sometimes used by the city authorities for cultural or entertainment performances, concerts.
- The medieval inscription in gold letters on the pediment on the outside of the gate reads: “Concordia Domi Foris Pax” (from Lat. – “Consent inside, peace outside”).
Activities : sightseeing / photo opportunities / Guided Tours of Lubeck: Holstein Gate / walk in town with its old districts.
Go next : Market Square and Town Hall in Lübeck / The Church of St. Mary is the most famous temple in the city, a symbol of the wealth and power of the Hanseatic city / Church of St. James.
