The medieval towns of Wismar and Stralsund are located on the Baltic coast of northern Germany. They were founded in the 13th century and by 14th and 15th centuries they had attracted the attention of the Hanseatic League. During this time, they became major trading hubs.
By :Kennedy Runo
The medieval towns of Wismar and Stralsund are located on the Baltic coast of northern Germany. They were founded in the 13th century and by 14th and 15th centuries they had attracted the attention of the Hanseatic League. During this time, they became major trading hubs.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the towns would become administrative and defensive centers within the larger Swedish Kingdom. Under the Swedes, the towns helped develop the military art and thus adding another layer of cultural influence to the already elaborate cultural practices.
The brick Gothic building style that developed in the Baltic region was mainly developed in the two towns. In both towns, you will find brick cathedrals, a series of brick residential houses, the Town Hall of Stralsund, commercial buildings etc. that all represent the evolution of architecture over the centuries.
The typology of the architectural work found in these two towns was developed in the 14th century. In particular, you are going to find that houses such as Kemladen and Dielehausare architecturally similar to Hanseatic houses in other towns.
Be sure to go to the medieval harbor basin that has been preserved at Wismar. Additionally, get to see the island location of Stralsund that has remained relatively unchanged since the 13th century. The silhouette of Stralsund is mainly characterized with buildings made of Gothic brick architecture.
The Historic towns of Wismar and Stralsund are located in State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in an area measuring 168 hectares. The German government has further allowed the area to be given a buffer zone of 448 hectares. To preserve the rich heritage found here, UNESCO inscribed the two town’s historic centers in the World Heritage Sites. Apart from the Gothic structures, you will get a touch of Baroque and neo-classicism here and there, adding to the allure these towns have to those who love exploring ancient European towns.
Unlike most destinations in Western Europe, these two destinations will not leave a deep hole in your pocket. With about US$500, you can get a cheap accommodation from where you are going to explore the 2 towns. I daresay that Europe cannot get more idyllic than this.