At a glance
Lübeck
Character + structure
Lübeck's old town island forms the centre of the city, where there are a variety of uses, such as shopping, restaurants and leisure activities. The pedestrian zone is concentrated on Breite Straße, the market square and, at weekends, Hüxstraße. Along the central traffic axes of the city centre, such as Mühlenstraße and Beckergrube, there is a mix of residential and commercial uses. Other parts of the old town are predominantly residential, supplemented only in part by commercial uses on the ground floor.
There is a small commercial area in the north-east of Lübeck's old town, while the harbour area adjoins the north-west of the old town. However, there are no longer any industrial settlements there. Large parts of Lübeck's old town are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their historical structure and symbolism of the Hanseatic era.
Timeline
Public spaces
Public places are particularly important for the younger generation, as they facilitate social encounters and strengthen the sense of belonging. They also contribute significantly to the quality of life in the old town.
The public buildings in Lübeck's old town include mainly churches, but also facilities such as the transitional house. Educational venues are important for young people, as they offer important spaces for exchange and networking.
Public spaces in the urban area are distributed throughout the centre, while the western shore of the old town island is used extensively by the public, partly by restaurants but also by walkers. The public green spaces are mainly located in the southern part of the old town, around the Mühlen- and Krähenteich ponds. A more urban green space is being created on the Obertrave, where residents are actively appropriating the urban space. On the east bank, a green walking path runs along the old town. Playgrounds are also integrated into the green spaces in some places.
Historical districts
In the 14th century, the old town was divided into four districts for administrative reasons. This system remained in place until the 19th century. However, with the rapid growth of the city, the original division into districts lost its significance, as the majority of Lübeck's population eventually lived outside the old town.
The four historic quarters were characterised by different groups and uses:
- The Marien-Magdalen quarter developed into the district of sailors and travellers, which is why there were numerous inns and hostels there.
- Due to its proximity to the Stecknitz Canal, the Marien quarter developed into the quarter of the Stecknitz sailors. They transported salt from Lüneburg to Lübeck and brought back grain, wood and other goods on their return journey.
- The Jakobi quarter was characterised by leather and textile crafts, as well as breweries.
- The Johannis quarter was mainly home to merchants and craftsmen, but the nobility was also represented there with larger estates.
Current goals + projects
