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Historic site · Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein
Heiligen-Geist-Hospital
One of the oldest social hospitals in Europe, dating from 1286, with an aisle-church of medieval paintings and the wooden cubicles where elderly residents lived until 1970.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Heiligen-Geist-Hospital
Heiligen-Geist-Hospital was founded in 1227 by Lübeck merchants to shelter elderly people and poor sick. The building was completed in 1286 and is one of the oldest of its kind in Europe. The brick façade, with three gables and slender towers, faces Koberg square in the north of the Altstadt.
The entrance first leads into a Gothic aisle-church. On the north wall, two large medieval paintings, from around 1320, depict the throne of Solomon and Christ in majesty surrounded by the symbols of the evangelists.
Behind the church is the hospital’s large hall. In 1820 small wooden cubicles of about four square meters were built there, open at the top, where residents lived until 1970. Names and numbers of former residents can still be seen on the doors.
The building remains connected to an institution providing care for the elderly, and the place asks for quiet.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 20 to 40 minutes.
Best time
During the day, outside event times. During the Christmas period the hall may host a craft fair, with more people: check the schedule.
How to get there
It is located on Koberg square, in the north of the Altstadt, about a 20-minute walk from the main station and a few minutes from the Hansemuseum.
Tip
Combine the visit with the Hansemuseum and the Burgtor, which are nearby. Notice the doors of the cabins: the painted names show who lived there.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Heiligen-Geist-Hospital
What's inside the Heiligen-Geist-Hospital?
A Gothic hall church with medieval paintings and, behind it, the old hospital hall with the small wooden cubicles where elderly people lived from 1820 to 1970.
How long does the visit take?
Twenty to forty minutes. It's a good stop between the Hansemuseum and Breite Straße.
Is the Heiligen-Geist-Hospital open year-round?
It can be visited throughout the year, but hours vary and there are closures on event days. Check before you go.