Wallanlagen

Beneath the verdant embrace of Rostock’s Wallanlagen, whispers of centuries echo. These tranquil green spaces, nestled between the bustling city center and the Steintor-Vorstadt, were once part of Rostock’s formidable defenses. The Wallanlagen stretch over 450 meters, a testament to the city’s rich history. Originally, a 3,400-meter-long wall encircled Rostock, a testament to its wealth and power during the Hanseatic period. This wall, a formidable stone barrier punctuated by fortified gates, provided ample protection against medieval threats. However, the advent of gunpowder and cannons necessitated a new approach to defense. Around 1620, earthen ramparts and wide moats were added to the city’s defenses, along with strategically placed bastions. These bastions, such as the Dreiwall-Bastion with its enigmatic “Teufelskuhle” (Devil’s Pit) and the Heumagazin-Bastion, were designed by a Dutch fortress builder and bristled with cannons. The Dreiwall-Bastion, near the Kröpeliner Tor, holds a particularly intriguing feature: the Teufelskuhle. This deep depression, fed by underground springs, is shrouded in local legend. It is said that a castle once stood on this spot, whose owner crossed paths with the devil. The devil, in his wrath, caused the castle to sink into the earth. Even today, some claim to see the tips of the castle’s towers shimmering beneath the water’s surface. On St. John’s Eve, the lucky ones might even glimpse a silver bowl and spoon floating atop the water. By the 19th century, these fortifications had outlived their strategic purpose. They also hampered the city’s expansion beyond its medieval core. The gates and walls were gradually dismantled. The ramparts and moats were transformed into green spaces. The Wallanlagen, a popular recreational area for Rostock residents and visitors, is a living testament to this transformation. As you stroll through the Wallanlagen, take a moment to appreciate the information panels that dot the area. They offer glimpses into the history of these remarkable fortifications and explain the intricate workings of the bastions. The Wallanlagen invite you to explore the echoes of the past while enjoying the peaceful beauty of the present.