Imagine stumbling upon stones that whisper tales of Lübeck’s past. These are the Grenz- und Flursteine der Hansestadt Lübeck. They marked territories and properties for centuries. Today, they reside in a unique park. This park is a lapidarium on the grounds of the Universität zu Lübeck.
Let’s journey back in time. We explore the significance of these silent witnesses. For centuries, the Hansestadt Lübeck defined its borders with its neighbors using Grenzsteine. Flursteine marked properties of foundations or individuals. More than 100 stones still exist around Lübeck. They stand amidst buildings and even in the city center.
Sadly, many stones disappeared over the last 200 years. Originally, 69 stones marked the border with the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg. Only 11 remain. They lost their purpose and were removed. Some were overturned or used as building material.
To protect the remaining stones, the Archeology Department of Hansestadt Lübeck made them protected monuments. It’s now illegal to move or remove them from their locations. But what happens when construction unearths these historical markers?
That’s where the Grenzsteinpark comes in. It offers a refuge for stones discovered during construction or field work. Since 1992, these stones have found a new home here. The park makes them accessible to the public.
Originally located behind the main hospital building, the park moved in 2013. It relocated due to construction. Now, it sits near Haus 10 close to Heinrich-Meiborn-Straße. As of 2020, the Grenzsteinpark held 28 stones. These include Grenzsteine that marked Lübeck’s territory. There are also Flursteine that denoted private or foundation properties.
Consider the Flurstein of the Heiligen-Geist-Hospital from the 19th century. Or the Flurstein with the symbol of the Lübeck building authority. Each stone tells a story. They speak of ownership and boundaries. They are tangible pieces of Lübeck’s history.
Heinz Röhl and Wolfgang Bentin captured the essence of these markers in their book “Grenzen und Grenzsteine der (freien und) Hansestadt Lübeck”. The Grenz- und Flursteine der Hansestadt Lübeck represent more than just stone. They symbolize Lübeck’s rich heritage. They are a testament to its evolving landscape. They offer a glimpse into the lives and boundaries of the past.