Rostock was established in the 11th century by the Slavics. St. Peter's Cathederal, the Convent of the Holy Cross and The University of Rostock are the oldest buildings in the Baltic region, built in the 11th, 13th and 16th century respectively. The University is free to any German student, supported by the government. Outside of the Univ. and the church of the university is a statue of General Blucher who fought with Napoleon and is famous in this region. We visited the Neuer Market (New Market) where many of the buildings had to be restored after the bombings during WWII. In the middle of town is a lovely fountain called the Fountain of Joy but is refered to by the citizens as the Pornographic Fountain!!
St. Mary's church is on this square. During WWII most of the art work and special artifacts in St. Mary's were moved to St. Peter's church with the thinking that St. Mary's may be damaged due to its location. In fact it was St. Peter's which was bombed along with the artifacts from St. Mary's. Luckily the items that could not be moved were saved, the 25 meter tall stained glass window and the 5,755 pipe organ among them. The main alter is also original and is 25 meters tall. Also the Astronomical Clock installed in 1472 was saved. This clock not only tells the time, date, year, season, moon, sun positions and astrological signs, but the best time to plant and to harest. It runs out in 2017 so the mathematicians are working to reset it by that year.
Most of the original wall surrounding the city are still standing but only 4 of the 21 gates. We saw three of them. The town hall or Rathaus was improved by adding a faux front in front of the original brick walls.
We have to have our suitcases packed and in the hallway before we go to bed. Goodnight!
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