Day 9 ~ Rostock, Germany

Founded in 1218, Rostock is about to celebrate its 800 year anniversary. In 1251, the city became a member of the Hanseatic League (The league created to protect the guilds' economic interests). In the 14th century, it was a powerful seaport town with 12,000 inhabitants. Today, it has a population of 203,000. After World War II, it was part of the GDR (East Germany) until the reunification of Germany in 1990.

One of the most picturesque places in Rostock is New Market Square with the Town Hall. Originally built in the 13th century in Brick Gothic style, it was extensively transformed in the 18th century,with the addition of a Baroque façade.

While much of Rostock's Wall was removed on the sea side (towards the River Warnow), a large part of the city wall remains on the land side. Originally. there were 22 gates, but only 3 remain. The curved area in the photo is where a gate once stood. 

The 16th century Steintor Gate was built in a Dutch Renaissance style on the foundation walls of the former Gothic Southern Main Gate. The inside is adorned with seals and symbols of the city, as well as the words, “May harmony and prosperity reign within your walls.”

Western Gate is a six story brick gate built in the 14^th century. Today is houses an exhibition of Rostock’s fortifications.

St. Mary's Church was built in the 13th century but was enlarged and modified at the end of the 14th century into the present basilica. Since the Protestant Reformation in 1531, it has been an Evangelical Lutheran Church.

The organ inside the church was first built in 1770 but has since been rebuilt and modified over the years. Today, it contains 83 stops with 5,700 pipes.

The astronomical clock, also inside St Mary’s, was built in 1472.^. The medieval clock is the only one of its kind still in working condition with its original clockworks.

Rostock is home to one of the oldest universities in the world. The University of Rostock, founded in 1419, is tuition free for its 14,000 students.

I will end today’s post with the Fountain of Joy in University Square. 

OK, one more picture… We set sail about an hour ago, and I couldn’t resist posting this photo of our gorgeous sunset. Tomorrow morning we will be in Copenhagen, Denmark.