Kanzleigebäude, Gothic administrative building in Lübeck, Germany
The Kanzleigebäude is a Gothic administrative building in Lübeck's Old City that stretches approximately 85 meters long and 8 meters wide, connecting directly to the town hall through a passage. Today its ground floor holds retail spaces behind glass-enclosed arcades, while the upper floor contains offices and a literature cafe set within the Eagle Hall.
The building was completed in 1485 after five years of construction and originally served as the seat of notaries and council scribes. A renovation between 1612 and 1615 created the Renaissance Hall that exists today, complete with ornate wood paneling.
The building's name comes from its role as the seat of notaries and administrative scribes who conducted official business here. Visitors can still see the carefully crafted rooms that reflect this important clerical function.
The building is best accessed from the street facing the Marienkirche, where the arcades and public spaces are easy to reach. It is advisable to visit in the morning when retail spaces have just opened and fewer visitors are present.
The western side of the building features a 50-meter-long arcade gallery that runs along the choir of the Marienkirche, creating a hidden passage between two major structures of the city. Many visitors overlook this gallery even though it offers a unique pathway connecting both buildings.
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