Sightseeing in Rostock

Rostock was heavily bombed during the Second World War and suffered more damage than other Baltic harbors. Neglect and socialist-style planned developments did not enhance the cityscape either. Since the Wende, much has been done to restore the historically significant buildings that survived. The major sights can be seen in half a day.

Neuer Markt Area

The monumental Marienkirche (St Mary’s Church), Am Ziegenmarkt, is one of the most interesting examples of brick Gothic in northern Germany. The original hall church of 1260 was converted to a basilica in 1290 following the example of the Marienkirche in Lübeck. The church was only completed in the mid-15th century. The multiple changes in floor plans during the long building period gave it somewhat odd proportions – the nave seems too short for the 31-m (102-foot) ceiling. The church has several art works of note, including a bronze baptismal font (1290), a huge astrological clock (designed in 1472 but altered in 1643) that has a calendar up to 2017, and a magnificent Baroque organ (1769). The church is often used for concerts.

The huge Neuer Markt has several fine gabled buildings. The most interesting is the Rathaus, 0381-3810, which was formed in the 13th century by joining three existing houses. Only a small part of the original brick façade can be seen, as a Baroque façade was added in the early 18th century. Most of the buildings on the south and north sides of the square were destroyed in the war, but some modern ones were built to blend in with the traditional style. The Alte Post building, which houses the post office and tourism office, was built in the mid-1950s.

Steinstraße leads from the Neuer Markt to Steintor, one of only four of the original 22 city gates that survived. This Reniassance gate was erected in 1577. The surviving part of the city’s defense wall to the left leads to the oldest gate, the 13th-century Kuhtor.

Near Steintor is the interesting Schifffahrtsmuseum (Shipping/Navigational Museum), corner of Augsut- Bebl-Straße & Richard-Wagner-Straße. It uses models, paintings, photographs, and original shipping- related items to illustrate the history of shipping from the Vikings up to the Wende. In addition to several scale models, it also has a full-size bridge from a trading vessel. The displays are often a bit old fashioned, but that in itself is interesting from a cultural-historical standpoint.

Kröperliner Straße

Most of Rostock’s sights are along or near Kröpeliner Straße, which runs from Neuer Markt westward to Köpeliner Tor. The street is for pedestrians only and is lined with shops of all kinds. Most of the gabled houses here date from the 17th to 19th centuries, but a few are older and some modern ones added gables to blend in harmoniously with the historic character of the area. The most interesting is the 15th-century brick Gothic Haus Ratschow at No 82 – currently the town library.

The triangular Universitätsplatz (University Square) is a popular meeting place. On its south side are the Baroque Saalgebäude (1750) and the adjacent former ducal palace (1712). Nearby, in a former monastery, is the interesting Kulturhistorisches Museum (Cultural History), Kloster zum Heiligen Kreuz, Klosterhof, 0381-203-590. The former monastery church, dating from the 13th century, now houses the best pieces from the religious art collection. In addition to items from the town’s history, the museum also has a noteworthy collection of Dutch paintings and drawings.

Kröpeliner Straße ends at the imposing 14th-century brick Kröpeliner Tor (Gate). It houses the Stadtgeschichtliches Museum (Local History), Kröpeliner Straße. The section of the town wall leading from here towards Schwaansche Straße still has some half-round guardhouses from the 14th century.

Warnemünde

Warnemünde, bought by Rostock in 1323, is a small seaside resort 11 km (six miles) to the north. It is popular with vacationers as well as with luxury cruise ships – up to 50 stop here annually.

Apart from the beach and promenade, the main sights are along the pedestrian street Am Strom. As the German name indicates, this road is next to the river and lined with gabled houses now used as restaurants and bars. In the vicinity are the yacht harbor, the 1898 lighthouse, and the Westmole, a pier extending 500 m (1,640 feet) out into the sea, allowing splendid views of the ocean-going vessels entering the canal en route to Rostock harbor.