Lubeck was founded in the year of 1143. With the foundation of the Hanseatic League in 1226, Lubeck became the major trading centre for northern Europe and prospered until the 16th century.

Though it suffered damage during the Second World War, the basic structure of the old city, including mainly 15th - and 16th - century patrician residences, public monuments (the famous Holstentor brick gate), salt storehouses and churches, remains unaltered.