Picture this. You stand before the Backhaus Auf der Altstadt 37 in Luneburg. This isn’t just any building. This is a piece of Luneburg’s history a testament to the city’s rich past.
The Backhaus is more than just a bakery. It stands on the oldest part of Luneburg’s Old Town. It’s a prime example of a wealthy Luneburg citizen’s house. Imagine the bustling life that once filled these very streets. The street Auf der Altstadt was the main link between the castle and the marketplace Sand.
The Backhaus itself was built around 1580. It was a grand hall house with a wing. This wasn’t just a place to bake bread. The main house was primarily used for business. Living quarters were secondary often located in the wing. The bakery was separate because of fire risks. It was in the back. The main hall was used for selling the bread.
This Backhaus was special. It was one of twelve privileged bakeries. Only these bakeries were allowed to bake and sell white bread. They were called Feilweissbäcker. This one was a Feilweissbäcker too. They were quite successful. The Backhaus Auf der Altstadt 37 is the oldest of them all.
Over the centuries the Backhaus changed. The need for more privacy grew. More living space was needed. This led to renovations and modernisations. The large hall was divided into two floors. Around 1800 it was remodeled in the style of classicism. A grand staircase was added. The wing was completely renovated.
Even with all the changes the Backhaus remained a white bread bakery for over 500 years. Baking finally stopped in 1970. That’s a long time for one bakery. In the 1980s restoration work began. The old bakery’s foundations were found in the back. They were carefully uncovered. The work was recognized in 1990. It won the main prize of the Lower Saxony Savings Bank Foundation’s monument preservation prize.
Today the Backhaus stands as a testament to Luneburg’s past. Its history echoes through its walls. It’s a reminder of the city’s bakers their skills and their dedication. It speaks of wealth and success of a changing city. It stands as one of Luneburg’s most treasured historic landmarks. This place is truly a treasure.