Stade Old Town

The Hanseatic city of Stade is really a gem and definitely worth a visit. The city's history goes back 1,000 years and in the old town you will find many well-preserved half-timbered houses as well as houses and art from the Baroque. Two churches and the charming old harbor complete the experience. You shouldn't miss the fish market either.

As a Lüneburger I was thrilled by the old town in Stade. Stade wears, just like Lüneburg, quite rightly the title Hanseatic city. If you skim over the history of the city, you will be amazed how much of historic houses and sacral buildings survived. The Old Port is more imposing than the Stint in Lüneburg, but has one thing in common: the old crane (works like a hamster wheel).
I have added two historical illustrations: 1. From the Sachsenspiegel Staden 1492 (heyday of the Hanseatic League) and Sweden fortress Stada 1640 (30th war). Source: Wikipedia
Remarkably, I found the new Hafencity, only smaller than known in Hamburg.

The landmark of Stade - Church of St. Cosmae
The present-day church of St. Cosmae was built in the 13th century as a single-aisle hall building with a crossing, a quadrangle and a rectangular chancel. Probably from this time comes the huge octagonal crossing tower, while the church did not receive a west tower. Previous buildings of the old council chapel can date back to the time around 1000.
In the 15th century, the sanctuary was extended by ancillary rooms, in 1604 the bridal house was added. In the 17th century, the eastern facade received a new three-rowed front.
St. Cosmae burnt down in 1659 and received a new, made in Hamburg, equipment. From the time before come the St. Gertruden altar (about 1500), which was taken from the 1834 broken church of St. Nicolai, a Crucifixion relief (1580) and a chandelier. 1682-84, the church received its impressive spire, which is now a landmark of the city. >> New: tower guides ...
Remarkable from the equipment of the 17th century are the main altar of Christian Precht (1677), pulpit, baptism and in particular the wrought iron grating at the baptistery. The church was extensively renovated in 1963-66 and especially in 1985-91. A large part of the external masonry was also renewed.