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[3] Fürstenhof

View from the courtyard of the Fürstenhof
© Hansestadt Wismar, H. Volster
Facade des Fürstenhofs
© TZ Wismar, A. Rudolph
Portal to the Fürstenhof
© Hansestadt Wismar, H. Volster

Description

The Fürstenhof was constructed as the summer residence of the Mecklenburg dukes in two construction phases in Wismar, situated in immediate vicinity of St. George church. Its current shape consists of two wings that are almost at right angles to each other. The so-called "Old House" was built in 1512/13 in the late Gothic style, the "New House" from 1553 to 1555 in the style of the Italian Renaissance. It is lavishly adorned with sculpted limestone and terracotta decorations. The three floors are separated by figural friezes. The gateways also feature rich sculptural detailing. After the cession of Wismar to the Swedish crown in 1648, the highest Swedish court for the Swedish possessions in Northern Germany, the so-called Tribunal, was established in the Fürstenhof from 1653 to 1802. Today, the significant building is the seat of the Wismar District Court.