Heiligen-Geist-Hospital, Lubeck

One of the world's oldest social institutions and a precursor of modern hospitals, Heiligen-Geist-Hospital is one of the major landmarks in the old town center. The city's wealthy merchants designed this hospital to house the sick and poor in the 13th century, and the building still contains a home for the elderly within its walls. Built between 1276 and 1286, the brick building features five spires rising above a complex of structures that include a church and the so-called "long house," which used to be a dormitory. In winter you'll find a Christmas market renowned for selling handcrafted products. But you can visit the site at any time of the year to take pictures or join an informative guided tour. Use our Lubeck planning tool to visit Heiligen-Geist-Hospital on your trip to Lubeck, and learn what else travelers and our writers recommend seeing nearby.