A whisper of history clings to the very stones. Welcome to Wokrenterstraße in Rostock. This street isn’t just a pathway it’s a living timeline. Imagine a bustling medieval Rostock. The Wokrenterstraße led from the historic Neustadt directly to the city harbor. It ended at the Wokrentertor one of thirteen gates in Rostock’s city fortifications. This was no ordinary street. It held a special place in the heart of Rostock’s history. The name itself reveals a clue. Named after the Wokrent family a prominent Rostocker patrician family. Their influence extended across the city. Their presence on this street indicates its importance during the city’s golden age.
The Wokrenterstraße was once home to approximately twenty breweries during Rostock’s thriving brewing period. It showcases the street’s rich history and the city’s strong connection to beer making. This street was a center for trade and commerce a hive of activity. The discovery of a fieldstone well dating from before the mid-15th century proves the street’s early existence. This predates Rostock’s first wooden water systems. The area’s importance is also shown by the existence of a bathhouse documented as far back as 1361.
The street was home to sailors coopers and of course the brewers and their families. Many brewers held positions of power even serving as council members. The Wokrenterstraße narrowly escaped the Rostock city fire of 1677. However the devastation of World War II caused its decline. This lasted until the 1970s when the city began to revive this historic street.
The eastern side of the Wokrenterstraße is particularly interesting. The planned demolition of the entire harbor district was thankfully halted on the west side in the 1970s. This was due to the East German Monument Protection Act of 1975. This act saved several buildings from demolition. Among the protected buildings were the “Hausbaumhaus” and “Zur Kogge” pub.
The reconstruction plan was ambitious. It focused on preserving existing buildings. The architects wanted to maintain the historic street scene. They included gabled houses. They drew inspiration from the lost gabled fronts of the Lange Straße. However significant decay forced the demolition of most buildings except for three in 1979. In the 1980s these were rebuilt maintaining the original building depth of about 17 meters. Each floor contained two apartments resulting in 87 new homes. Many buildings featured shops restaurants and workshops. Five boasted terraces. Rescued historical building components were reused. Even an old well was uncovered and restored.
Today the Wokrenterstraße is a stunning blend of old and new. It demonstrates the impressive efforts that went into preserving Rostock’s history. It presents a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its heritage. The street stands as a unique example of Rostock’s architectural ingenuity. It successfully integrates modern construction with historical aesthetics.