STRALSUND tourist attractions

Stralsund is a port city with a long and rich history, and is also a great base for visiting the nearby island of Rügen. Its Old Town, as an example of a Hanseatic city, was entered on the UNESCO list in 2002.

The history of the city is inextricably linked with the sea. Its name comes from the Slavic name of the strait over which it was founded, the Arrow. Hence, in the old Polish chronicles the city can be found under the name of Strzałowa. The settlement quickly became a significant port and began to threaten the interests of the hanseatic League. For this reason, it was invaded by its troops and burned down. The city, already rebuilt under the control of Lübeck, joined the union and became its significant member.

The heart of Stralsund is the Old Market Square with the Town Hall of Stralsund on its southern frontage. The late Gothic Church of St. Nicholas, inside which you can see two valuable triptychs and an astronomical clock. Another church important for the city is the monumental St. Mary's Church from the 13th century, whose tower was originally 150 meters high.

An interesting place is the Gothic monastery of St. Catherine, which now houses the Maritime Museum. Another object related to the sea is the sailing ship Gorch Fock, moored at the quay and open to the public. In Stralsund there is also one of the largest oceanariums in Europe, the Ozeaneum Stralsund, where approx. 7,000 people live. animals from the seas around the world.