Wismar

　　Wismar is both a port city and a Hanseatic city, located on the Baltic Sea in northern Germany, governed by the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. On June 27, 2002, the historic centers of Wismar Old Town and Stralsund were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

　　The old town of Wismar is representative of German brick architecture, with its center being the large Market Square, one of the largest in northern Germany. The square is surrounded by elegant buildings in a variety of styles, ranging from 14th-century Gothic to 19th-century Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau. The focal point of the square is a fountain imported from the Netherlands in 1602, while the north side features the Neoclassical Town Hall built between 1817 and 1819. The 80-meter-high tower of St. Mary’s Church is the only remaining Gothic brick structure, originally built in the 13th century, heavily damaged during World War II, and unfortunately demolished in 1960. St. Nicholas Church, built between 1381 and 1460, has gently arched vaults and was strongly influenced by St. Mary’s Church in Lübeck.

　　Wismar Reason to visit: An important Hanseatic city in Germany Continent: Europe【Europe】 Country/Region: Germany[Germany] Province/State: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania [Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania] City: Wismar [Wismar]