Kerkhoffhaus, Late Gothic residential building in Rostock, Germany.
The Kerkhoffhaus is a late Gothic residential building in Rostock's old town featuring a facade adorned with terracotta decorations and glazed stones. The stonework displays the blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements that the structure developed over time.
The building was constructed around 1470 for Mayor Berthold Kerkhoff and underwent gradual transformations in the following decades. These changes resulted in a fusion of Gothic and Renaissance style features.
The building has housed the city archive and civil registry office since 1907, serving as a practical hub where residents access official documents and register vital records. This role makes it an important place for people researching their family ties to Rostock.
The building is located in Rostock's old town and is easily accessible by public transportation. Visitors should note that it functions as an active government office, so access and opening hours may be limited.
The facade clearly shows construction work from different periods, with craftsmen adding Renaissance ornaments to earlier Gothic arches. These visible layers make the house a tangible example of architectural evolution.
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