Galerie

 

DANZIG REPORT No. 72
Architectural Development of the Rathaus

Editor: John & Betty Bloecher, 1743 Little Creek Drive, Baltimore, MD. 21207-5230 USA

July August September 1991
Stand in the Langmarkt and look at the south— eastern corner of the Rathaus. Do you recognize the object seen above? It can take many trips and dozens of looks at the Rathaus before the sun dial comes into focus, about 30 meters above street level. Since being damaged in the war, it has been completely refinished and is keeping perfect time - while the sun is out. The date on the clock is 1588, and the center is still surrounded by zodiac characters. This is just one of the marvels of Danzig’s Rathaus. Today we will study its exterior architecture; at another time, we will go thru the interior.

The Teutonic Knights (Kreuzritter) conquered Danzig in 1308, and the first building on this site was constructed during 1327—1336. (I11.A) This effort was recorded by Stephen Grau, in his work, Danziges Geschichte...von Anno 824 bis Anno 1685. Construction featured a tower and end wall of brick and timber. In the mid 14th Century, another floor was added and the larger tower on the western end was replaced with a small spire in the middle of the roof.

 

Danzig Report Vol. 1 - Nr. 72 - July - August - September - 1991, Page 1.