Rostock, Germany

The Hanseatic City of Rostock is located on the Baltic Coast in the lander (province) of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania. Rostock has a total population of 500,000 and is home to northern Europe's oldest university, which was founded in 1419.

Rostock was founded in 1200 by German merchants and received its town charter in 1218 by Prince Borwin I. Rostock became a member of the Hanseatic League around 1323 and enjoyed considerable growth and prosperity until the collapse of the Hanseatic League in 1611. The city was almost destroyed by a major fire in 1677.

Rostock regained its importance as a major shipping center toward the end of the nineteenth century. Today, the city is an important grain export harbor and is a major industrial center in northeastern Germany.

Rostock is famous for its zoo, parks, churches, notably, the Mariankirche (St. Mary's Church) and Rathaus (townhall). The city is also home to some of northern Europe's most impressive Baroque and Danish Renaissance architecture.