Beyond the residential area of Siedlung Vossberg stands a silent sentinel. It is the Siedlung Vossberg Obelisk. What stories does it hold? What secrets are etched into its stone?
The Siedlung Vossberg Obelisk stands as a stoic reminder. It is of Lubeck’s past. The city’s history began on Bucu hill. Adolf II von Schauenburg built a castle in 1143. This founded Lubeck. It was the first German harbor town on the Baltic Sea.
In 1229, a monastery replaced the castle. It became a Dominican monastery honoring Maria Magdalena. There were four monasteries in Lubeck during the Middle Ages. The Castle Monastery is vital. It is one of North Germany’s most important medieval monastery complexes. It forms part of Lubeck’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lubeck’s Castle Gate is the city’s oldest gate. Formerly, there were four gates. They formed part of the medieval town fortifications. The Holsten Gate and the Castle Gate are preserved. They actively serve as entrances to the Old Town. The Castle Gate is older than the Holsten Gate. But it has always been second fiddle to the Holsten Gate in terms of fame. Quite unjustly, the Castle Gate is full of history and unique stories.
As the Gate to the North, it guarded the only land link. It protected the Queen of the Hanseatic League against invaders in the 13th century. The channel between the Wakenitz and the Trave made the town an island centuries later. It was named after the old castle complex. The complex was situated high above the Trave. It was converted to a monastery in 1227.
Until 2011, the Castle Monastery held the archaeological museum. The museum displayed the famous Lubeck coin treasure. In 2015, the restored Castle Monastery became part of the European Hansemuseum. It came to life through the exhibition on the history of the Hanseatic trading league. The European Hansemuseum invites visitors on a thrilling journey. It explores 600 years of Hanseatic history. It tells about the merchants’ courage. It shows life in foreign lands. It reveals wealth, pomp, piracy, sickness, and death. The Hansemuseum’s roof terrace offers panoramic views of the harbor. In summer, it is a social meeting point and event location.
The European Hansemuseum has won awards for its modern architecture. Architect Andreas Heller won the DAM prize in 2017. The Hansemuseum was a natural synthesis of archaeology and new architecture. The integration of the historical Castle Monastery with the museum seemed self-evident.
To the right of the Castle Gate is the old customs house. It was built of brick in the Renaissance style in 1571. In 1864, Lubeck stopped locking the gates nightly. People arriving late were no longer charged an unlocking fee. The customs house lost its original significance. It was used for other purposes. The author Ida Boy-Ed lived in the customs house. The city gave her lifelong right of residence for special achievements. Today, the Drumburg is located in the customs house. It is a drumming school with a music studio. It breathes new life into the old walls. Below the city walls lies the small Ida-Boy-Ed garden. It invites visitors to take a break in green surroundings.
Adjoining the Castle Gate are the stables. They used to be part of the old town fortifications. Lubeck’s police guard was based here. There were stables in the inner courtyard. Today, a modern youth center brings young life. It gives new energy to the medieval building.
The Siedlung Vossberg Obelisk stands near these historical places. Lubeck’s history is long and complex. The Siedlung Vossberg Obelisk has silently witnessed centuries of change. It is a reminder of Lubeck’s rich heritage. It silently reminds us of Lubeck’s past. It inspires reflection on the passage of time.