Ever wondered what stories these old red bricks could tell? We are standing in front of the Rathaus Greifswald. It is more than just a building. It is a symbol of Greifswald’s rich history.
This Rathaus Greifswald has witnessed centuries of change. Its story began in the 13th century. Greifswald received market rights in 1241. The town was first mentioned as Oppidum in 1248. Greifswald was granted Lübeck city rights in 1250.
The Rathaus Greifswald was built right in the middle of the market square. Its foundation probably dates back to around 1250. But a Kophus was first mentioned at this spot in 1349. The name Radhus appeared for the first time in 1551. The Rathaus Greifswald has been modified many times since then.
In 1713, a major city fire destroyed the Rathaus. It was rebuilt by 1738. More changes followed. The Rathaus Greifswald has a long, plastered red brick facade. It features 16 window axes. Since 1724, the slightly curved baroque gable sides have had strong cornice divisions above the two ground floors. Originally, the gables had open Gothic vaulted halls with three Gothic gate openings. These have since been closed. The last closure was in 1997.
The steep gable roof is topped with an open baroque roof turret. A bell rings from here every hour during the day. The side passage next to the neighboring pharmacy has been closed for quite some time.
Inside the former council chamber, now a wedding room, the baroque stucco by Balthasar Braun from 1748 is remarkable. The restored painted tapestries with mythological scenes by the Holzerland brothers from 1749 are also noteworthy. The cross-ribbed vault rests on seven-sided central pillars. Today, the basement rooms host exhibitions and gatherings.
Since 1966, the Rathaus Greifswald has had a heavy bronze door. The sculptor Jo Jastram created it. It contains a text fragment from Brecht’s Kinderhymne. The relief commemorates the bloodless surrender of Greifswald to the Red Army on April 29, 1945.
From 1996 to 1997, the Rathaus Greifswald was extensively renovated. This was part of urban development funding. It regained its strong medieval dark red color. It then became known as the “Red Town Hall”. The comprehensive market square was also renovated in 1998 and 1999. Hinnerk Wehberg from the WES Hamburg office designed it as a spacious, Hanseatic-style square. It features a new fishermen’s fountain and corner pillars.
The Rathaus Greifswald is also home to a special room. The oldest room in the Rathaus is the wedding chamber. It has been preserved in its original state since the two city fires. Councilors used to meet in this small hall. The magnificent furnishings date back to 1748. The walls above a wooden panel are covered with painted canvas. The paintings depict scenes from ancient Jewish, Greek, and Roman history. The Holzerland brothers created them. The ceiling is decorated with gilded stucco. Today, couples get married in this former council chamber.
So, as you stand here, remember that the Rathaus Greifswald is not just a building. It is a living testament to Greifswald’s enduring spirit. It is a place where history and the present intertwine.