Lübeck was only reluctantly admitted to the World Heritage List. Its nomination was deferred the first time in 1983 because of the loss of authenticity the city suffered from reconstruction after World War II. The ICOMOS advice at the second attempt (in 1987) also holds more warnings than admiring words. The site is also similar to the nearby Hanseatic cities of Stralsund & Wismar, and a serial nomination was recommended.

I visited Lübeck on a very cold Saturday in December. The picturesque Holstentor is the gate to the city center, with the salt storehouses right next to it. The gate now houses the municipal museum, where one can see what Lübeck looked like before WWII.

Wandering around the city's old quarter I'm afraid I have to agree with the skeptic ICOMOS-people: the fabulous remaining monuments are almost hidden from sight by ugly modern constructions, parked cars, cheap shops and eateries and (at this time of year) Christmas stalls. Lübeck's monuments are heavy on a style called "Brick Gothic", originating in countries in which there was a lack of natural stone.