Rostock is the largest city in the northeastern state of Mecklenburg in Germany. Located in the northern German region of this area Rostock covers an area of 181.44 sq. Km and has a population of around 200, 000 people.
This interesting city, which lacks historical monuments is home to the river Warnow, which flows into the Baltic Sea.
The rise of the town, Rostock began with its membership in the Hanseatic League. In the 14th century, it is a powerful port in the city of about 12, 000 inhabitants and the largest city of Mecklenburg. Cruise ships that have sailed the Baltic Sea, were constructed in Rostock. In 1419, Rostock the University was founded which is one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe.
The strategic location of Rostock causes envy of its competitors - Port cities in nearby countries. As a result, the Danes and Swedes occupied the city twice - once during the Thirty Years War between 1618 and 1648 and again from 1700 to 1721. Later, the French led by Napoleon, occupied Rostock for about a decade until 1813.
In the first half of the 19th century, Rostock regained much of its economic importance. This is largely due to trade in wheat, but by 1850 industrialization of Rostock offered a new economic impetus to the northern German city. The exceptional progress of the industry is due to shipbuilding. In Rostock the first ship was built in Germany, which was powered by a propeller.
The tourist tour of places in Rostock will not allow you to miss the pedestrian walk in the Old Town. There are the old market "Alter mark", beautiful church "Virgin Mary" (St. Mary's Church), New Market with City Hall and the church of Saint Peter. The old town of Rostock extends around the Old Market Square and there lies the church of St. Peter.
The new market is located in Rostock’s former medieval market square in the city. As part of the historic city center its market is spread over an area of 90 x 80 square meters. This bustling commercial hub goes back to the 18th century, when the wealthy local residents gathered there. All around the square rise incredibly beautiful old buildings that impress with their baroque and classical architecture. One of the buildings in the market square in Rostock is that of the local town hall.
The oldest house in the square is home № 16, which was built back in 1600. Currently the new market in Rostock is one of the most famous and visited places in the city. Besides monuments and historic buildings there are many shops, cafes and restaurants. The New Market Rostock extends the average city in which rises the beautiful church of the Virgin Mary.