Kalkar, Hanseatic municipality in Kleve, Germany
Kalkar is a medieval town on the Lower Rhine in the Kleve district, featuring narrow streets and brick buildings that reflect its trading history. The Gothic St. Nicolai Church at the center holds nine oak altars and elaborate wood carvings spanning several centuries.
The town received its charter in 1230 and quickly became a major trading hub within the Hanseatic League. Its importance grew because it sat on the Rhine, connecting merchants along their business routes.
St. Nicolai Church displays wood carvings from many periods, ranging from medieval altars to modern glass windows that reflect regional craftsmanship traditions. Visitors can see works spanning centuries that show how local artisans passed down their skills.
The information center near the market square offers advice on local places and events. It is helpful to explore the old town on foot, as it is compact and laid out with walkable pedestrian zones.
The eight-story Stadtmühltor building from 1770 was constructed from stones salvaged from the former Hanselaer gate structure. This reuse of materials shows how residents creatively transformed their city using available resources.
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