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GERMANY | Wismar, Germany Travel Guide
Sunday, December 22, 2024
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A Brief History of Wismar
A Brief History of Wismar
Wismar was founded in the late 11th century. It served as residence of the princes of Mecklenburg from 1256 until their move to Schwerin just over a century later. Its golden age coincided with that of the Hanseatic League and, like the league, suffered a decline in the 16th century. Following the Peace of Westphalia (1648), Schwerin became part of Sweden, which fortified the town as a strategic post in the heart of the Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. In 1803, Sweden leased Wismar in a hundred-year treaty to the duchy. With tiny Mecklenburg part of the powerful and belligerent German Empire, Sweden made little attempt to recover the town in 1903.
Wismar suffered severe damage during World War II and general neglect during the Communist era further ruined many historic buildings. The market square has been restored to pristine condition, but walk one block away in any direction and you will be in no doubt that this is the former East Germany and not Lübeck. However, even in unrestored areas architectural treasures lurk.
Last updated October 25, 2011
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