Castle Friary & Castle Gate

Lübeck's Castle Monastery with the Castle Gate is the most significant medieval monastery complex in North Germany.

The oldest sections of the historical Castle Gate through which Große Burgstraße now runs, date back to the 13th century. The defiant tower decorated with red and black bricks was added during the late Middle Ages and the curious bronze dome originates from the early baroque period. Remnants of the medieval city wall are also preserved here.
The Castle Monastery, built in 1229 as the home of the Dominican order, is also from the 13th century. With its impressive vault paintings and decorated floors, the Castle Monastery is considered one of the most important medieval monastery complexes in North Germany and has formed part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The Castle Monastery can look back on an eventful history and has been used for many different purposes in the past: After the Reformation, the town used it as a poorhouse, later as a courthouse and remand prison and most recently as a cultural forum.
Since 2015, this painstakingly restored monument has been part of the museum complex making up the European Hansemuseum.