Kulturforum Burgkloster

The Burgkloster in Lübeck stands in the north of the old town between the Burgtor and the Koberg. It began as a Dominican monastery called Maria-Magdalenen-Kloster. Before that, a Slavic fortress called Bucu occupied the narrow entrance to the old town peninsula. The monastery was founded in thanks for victory at the Battle of Bornhöved in 1227. The Dominicans became the second mendicant order in Lübeck after the Franciscans. The church was rebuilt after a fire in 1276 and expanded around 1400 with a new three-aisled choir and a grand façade. Notable figures connected to the monastery include the chronicler Hermann Korner and the possible author of the Prologus Arminensis, Hermann von Sina. Today the Burgkloster is the largest High Gothic monastic complex in northern Germany. The four-winged cloister surrounds a quiet courtyard. The summer refectory in the north wing has late Romanesque vaulting, while the chapter house and winter refectory show early Gothic style. Remaining medieval elements include the sacristy with its painted Gregorian Mass and medieval mosaic floors. Some rooms still display 17th-century wood panelling and 19th-century courtroom fittings.