Rostock

Rostock was part of the Hanseatic League for 150 years and has the the medieval red-brick churches typical of the Baltic. The Marienkirche has a cross plan but otherwise shows typical Baltic features. Uncharacteristic is the church's extraordinary 15th century astronomical clock inside, claimed to be the oldest in original condition. The Nikolaikirche and Petrikirche also follow the northern tradition.

Some fortifications survive or were rebuilt after World War II bombing. The Steintor and its pointed tower, made over in the 16th century in Dutch Renaissance style, is the mightiest of the four surviving city gates. In the 54 metre Gothic tower Kröpeliner Tor is a small display of city history.

The Rathaus is an ensemble whose former Gothic frontage would have looked like Lübeck's or Stralsund's but for a Baroque makeover in front. Facing it on Neuer Markt are historical gabled houses.