The day before I had visited the historic Hanseatic city of Lubeck, I had my phone stolen in Hamburg. Luckily though I did have my iPad with me, and that is what I ended up taking photos with for the rest of my remaining days n Germany. I tried as best as I could to take great photos with my iPad, whipping out it’s large screen to take pictures. I believe I did a decent job, although my selfie at the end of this post could have been better. I am not an expert of taking selfies with an iPad!
Through the lens of my iPad and through my own eyes, I found this city in Northern Germany to be charming and engaging. Even on a weekday, the pedestrian shopping areas were filled with tourists and shoppers. It was a busy market city that was scenic, friendly, and full of life.
Lubeck has a long history dating back to the 12th century as the ‘Queen City’ of the Hanseatic League, and was part of Denmark for a very short time. It was the first western town along the Baltic Sea Coast, and served as the main trading location of Northern Europe. Today Lubeck is still used as a seaport, and not far from Hamburg, which is another seaport town in Germany.
In 1987, the historic city of Lubeck was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the criterion, “As outstanding examples of types of buildings, the most authentic areas of the Hanseatic City of LĂĽbeck exemplify the power and the historic role of the Hanseatic League.”- UNESCO website
_____
Niederegger Shop and CafĂ© – One of my primary reasons to visit Lubeck was not only for the history and architecture, but to visit Niederegger. Marzipan or any dessert made from almond (flour) will always be considered one of my greatest food loves. I for sure visited the the Niederegger CafĂ©, which was established as one of the city’s sweetest landmarks for 200 years.
The café is located on the second floor of the store, and that is where I had lunch of tomato cream soup, a marzipan cappuccino, and a slice of their scrumptious marzipan torte. Everything was truly delectable, and I still think of that marzipan drink and cake slice to this day!
For cafĂ© and store information – Niederegger Lubeck
_____
St. Mary’s – The church of St. Mary was another of Lubeck’s town glories that I could not pass up. The church is part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is Lubeck’s main parish. It was constructed between 1265 and 1361, and has been considered the “Mother Church of Brick Gothic”.
The interior of St Mary’s was beautiful and over the years had been generously gifted with donations from the city council, the guilds, families, and individuals. By the end of Middle Ages, St. Mary’s had 65 benefices, as well as a total of 38 altars.
Inside the church there are several mediaeval artifacts, the Antwerp Alterpiece, the Fredenhagen Alterpiece, and an Astronomical Clock, which was my favorite.
_____
Little Devil – Sitting along the outside of St. Mary’s is a cheeky little devil statue sitting on a stone ledge. The legend behind the devil at St. Mary’s is also a cheeky little story.
It is said that when the church of St. Mary was being constructed, the devil himself visited the workers to ask what they were doing. The laborers were afraid to tell the devil the truth, so as not to anger him. They fibbed and told him that they were building the most wonderous wine bar ever seen. Being the devil, he was happy to know this and worked alongside the workers to help build it.
Nearing the completion of St. Mary’s, the devil had realized he was tricked. He had picked up a huge stone in order to throw it against the church. One of the laborers intruded, and promised the devil a pub would be built across the church. The devil was delighted to hear this deal, and laid down the stone slab where it was. To this day, there are supposed devil claw markings on this slab.
The little devil greets those who enter the church, stroll by, or visit the Rastkeller tavern, right across the way!
__________
Along your journeys if you end up in Northern Germany, please pay a visit to this extraordinary historic Hanseatic city to explore, eat marzipan, and have a glass of wine at the devil’s Rastkeller Tavern!
-Photo Gallery-
Travel opens your heart- Broadens the mind, and fills you life with stories to tell…
🌎 Thank you for visiting my website and NEVER STOP EXPLORING!
📸 All photos are taken by me and are my intellectual property – Trixie Navarre
Trixie Navarre 
Leave a Reply