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Architecture · Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein
Lübecker Rathaus
One of the oldest town halls in Germany still in use, with a dark-brick façade and slender towers atop the wall, on the north side of the Markt square.
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 Lübecker Rathaus
The town hall of Lübeck is mentioned in documents from 1225 or 1226, and the main building on its current site was erected around 1240. It continues to be the seat of the city government.
The complex mixes periods: the dark, glazed brick façade with slender towers atop the wall is Gothic; the external staircase on Breite Straße and parts facing the square are Renaissance, from the late 16th century; several interior halls received neo-Gothic decoration in the 19th century.
The best-known hall is the Audienzsaal, the former audience hall of the council court. It has a Renaissance portal from 1574, ten allegorical paintings by the Italian Stefano Torelli made between 1754 and 1761, and two doors of different heights.
The town hall closes off the north side of the Markt square, where fairs are held and, at the end of the year, the Christmas market. On the other side of Breite Straße is the Niederegger house.
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
From 15 minutes outside to about an hour with an interior visit.
Best time
During the day, Monday to Friday, when the building is in normal operation. From late November until close to Christmas the surrounding square usually hosts the Christmas market.
How to get there
It is in the center of the Altstadt, between the Markt and Breite Straße, about a 15-minute walk from the central station (Lübeck Hauptbahnhof).
Tip
Walk all the way around the building: the façade on Breite Straße, with the Renaissance staircase, is quite different from the one facing the square. Check on site whether guided interior tours are available.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lübecker Rathaus
Can you visit the interior of the town hall of Lübeck?
The building houses the city's government, and access to the interior depends on guided tours on specific days. Check on site or at the tourist information centre before you go.
What period is the town hall of Lübeck from?
The core dates from the 13th century, around 1240. It received Renaissance additions at the end of the 16th century and Neo-Gothic decoration in the 19th century.
What is near the town hall?
The Marienkirche is attached to it, the Markt square is in front, and the Niederegger house is on the other side of Breite Straße.