Wismar

Literally "the water art", this old well structure was built between 1580 and 1602 following a Dutch design, and supplied drinking water to the town until 1897. Inscriptions in German and Latin can be found on the sides of the well.

Wismar's central market square covers 10,000 m² and is one of the biggest in northern Germany. The town hall occupies the northern side of the square. The current classical building was reconstructed between 1817 and 1819, but incorporates remnants of the original Gothic structure, especially in the cellars. There is a permanent historical exhibition about Wismar on display in the Rathauskeller.

This stunning brick Gothic church dates from the 14th century. The 37-m nave is still being restored after one of the towers collapsed in 1703, but the scale of the building is still impressive.

This rectangular Gothic church emerged in its current form in the 15th century. Inside, a painted wooden ceiling from 1687 shows scenes from the Old Testament.

One of Wismar's three main churches and an outstanding example of north German brick Gothic architecture. The origins of St. Georgen lie in the 13th century, but the current structure was not complete until 1594. The building was severely damaged by bombing during World War II, but renovations began in 1990. The church often hosts concerts and other cultural events.

The residence of the dukes of Mecklenburg dates back to the 16th century. The richly decorated facade shows several friezes depicting scenes from the Bible and legends of the classical antiquity.

The 80m-high tower is visible for miles. Much of the church was damaged by wartime bombing and was demolished in 1960, despite a reputation as one of the most beautiful brick churches in northern Germany. At the base of the tower is a small exhibition and a 3D film show (in German) explaining how the original church was built and extended in the 14th century.

The "Water Gate" is the only survivor of five medieval city gates, linked by a 4-m-high city wall. The current structure dates from around 1450 with a typical late-Gothic step gable, but on the harbour side the gable was rebuilt in the early 17th century in a different style.