AM SANDE (SQUARE ON THE SAND)

The name “on the sand” derives from the fact that back in the olden days, it was a distribution point strewn with sand, which was extended by about two metres during the last centuries. It is the oldest square in Lüneburg and has always been a very lively location.

Back then, Lüneburg had the staple right. All merchandise arriving at or passing through Lüneburg had to be displayed for sale for three days. A fee was charged as well.

The brick houses located on the long sides of the square, originating from various style epochs, are especially impressive. This is how Lüneburg’s economic success was “shown off” during the 15th and 16th century.

 

On the upper end of the square, a black double gable is protruding into the sky. During Renaissance times it was a sign of great wealth if you were able to afford a house built from black glazed brick. If you take a close look, you can see that the owners only pretended to be “filthy rich”. The house is built from red brick, painted black and the joints are painted on.

This former brewery originating from 1548 is not only adorned with the “Taustein” (an ornamental brick shaped like a rope) but also decorated with clay medallions, which tell the story of Samson and the lion from the old testament. Today, the building houses the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.