Fodor's Expert Review Holstentor

Lübeck’s famous gate was part of the medieval fortifications of the city. It has two faces: one it shows the world and one it shows the city. The "field side," which faces away, appears as if it is made of two defensive towers connected by a middle gate. The "city side" looks like one smooth building and has more windows, arcades, and friezes. The inscription on the field side, added in 1871, reads, "Concordia domi foris pax," an abbreviated version of the statement, "Harmony within and peace outside are indeed the greatest good of all." It houses a museum with ship models, suits of armor, and other artifacts from Lübeck's heyday.