Overview:

Holstentor in Lübeck is a historic gate and one of the main tourist attractions in the city. It lies on the east side of the Altstadt bordering the Trave River and was built in 1464 to serve as the main gate to the city walls. It is one of the best preserved Gothic fortifications in the country and is even more impressive when illuminated at night. It serves as an iconic image of Lübeck and is a protected heritage site of Germany. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Germany
Prominent Features:

The Holstentor (also known as Holsten Gate) is a historical building located in the German city of Lübeck. It is the city’s symbol and one of the most recognizable landmarks in northern Germany. Built in 1478, the Holstentor is an example of medieval brick Gothic architecture and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The main facade of the Holstentor has two massive round towers, each topped with a pointed cupola and decorated with merlons. Above the two main doors in the center of the façade is a carving of the Lübeck coat of arms, flanked by representations of the city’s patroness Saint Mary (on the left) and the Archangel Michael (on the right). To either side of the main doors are two more portals, each topped with a relief depicting a scene from the Book of Revelation: on the left, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and on the right is the Judgment of Paris. Inside the main building is a courtyard, with a covered arcade running around the perimeter. The courtyard courtyard has two more reliefs depicting Biblical stories, as well as a sundial. The courtyard also contains several artifacts, including a 17th century Dutch cannon. The Holstentor is open to visitors throughout the week, although there may be entrance fees depending on the season. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Germany.

History:

Holstentor is a famous brick archway in Lübeck, Germany built in the late fifteenth century, and is considered to be one of the finest examples of brick Gothic architecture. It is a symbol of both the city of Lübeck and of the entire state of Schleswig-Holstein. The name “Holstentor” is derived from the region’s name “Holszetin” and the Dutch word “torre,” which translates as “gateway.” The gateway was commissioned by the merchants and citizens of Lübeck around 1464 to be used as a customs point and ceremonial approach to the city. The two round towers are topped by bright copper spires, and the structure itself is unfortified and decorated with depictions of ancient heroes, saints, and symbols such as a rose, a lion, and a crowned imperial eagle, reflecting the importance of the commercial city. The towers of the structure first served as a prison, and later as a museum. During World War II, the Holstentor was heavily damaged, and after the war it underwent many restorations. During this time, the inscription “Dem Deutschen Volke” (To the German people) was added to the archway. It now stands as a reminder of the history and significance of Lübeck, an important trading port in the Middle Ages and the birthplace of the Hanseatic League. The Holstentor was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and is now open for visitors to explore and learn more about the city and its history. Visit one of the famous monuments of Germany with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Holstentor (literally: gateway of Holstein) is an imposing city gate in the German city of Lübeck. It is one of the two remaining city gates of Lübeck, along with the Burgtor (literally: castle gate). 2. The Holstentor is a two-storey brick building, that stands on a sandstone plinth. Its origins date back to 1464, when work was initiated to replace the previous gate, which had been destroyed by an invading army. 3. One of the distinguishing features of the Holstentor is the four lions which surround its gateways. These lions were added in 1701 and are a replica of statues created by the Italian master Lorenzo di Modena. 4. In 1937, the Holstentor was designated by the city of Lübeck as the city's civic symbol, being depicted on both the city's coat of arms and its city flag. 5. The Holstentor has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, as part of the Historic Centres of Stralsund and Wismar, and the Historical Old Town of Lübeck. One of the historical monuments of Germany, it tells the story of a bygone era