Archaeologists discover treasure from the Middle Ages under Rostock's town hall!

Archaeologists discover treasure from the Middle Ages under Rostock's town hall!

Good news from Rostock! During the ongoing construction work on the new administrative building for the Rostock town hall, remarkable archaeological finds were once again made. These discoveries offer exciting insights into life in the Middle Ages and show how rich the history of the Hanseatic city is. Loud Rostock town hall These are chandeliers from Valencia that date back to the 15th century. But that is by no means all that the excavations have to offer.

The excavations began in 2023 and were carried out by a competent team led by Renate Samariter, who also oversees the work on the Small Waterway. In addition to the magnificent chandeliers, the archaeologists found fascinating everyday objects such as colorful ceramics, textile remains and personal jewelry that come from different eras.

Archaeological finds and their significance

Northern Courier reports another interesting find: a completely preserved Lübeck pot, which was probably used as a bedside table. This pot comes from a latrine and dates to the mid-13th century. Renate Samariter notes that it could also be called a Lübeck-Rostock jug, as such vessels are often found in the region. An additional pilgrimage sign from Aachen, dating from around 1300, illustrates the cultural exchange between the cities and the importance of Aachen as a place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages.

Another notable find is an infrequent pilgrimage sign from Maastricht, which may have reached Rostock through trade contacts. In addition, a fieldstone fountain from the 18th century was discovered, which is documented by finds of plates, bowls and pipes. So it remains exciting as the excavations are not yet finished and the team plans to explore further areas.

Event to exchange information about the finds

In this context, the city invites you to an event entitled “City Archive Meeting Point” on Thursday, November 13, 2025. In the ballroom of the town hall, just a few meters from the site of the discovery, excavation director Dr. Jörg Ansorge will present the new findings. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to attend without registering. It starts at 5 p.m., with doors opening at 4 p.m.

The excavation work is part of the extensive expansion plans for the town hall complex, which are scheduled to last until 2027. With the complete completion of the concrete pile shoring for the excavation pit, an important step has been taken towards the safety and load-bearing capacity of the newly planned building. The various excavated sites not only provide information about ancient times, but also about the development of the city of Rostock, which is now considered one of the most important Hanseatic cities.

This is an opportunity for all history buffs and culture enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the world of the Middle Ages and learn more about the heritage of this unique city. The results of these excavations are of high cultural relevance and will undoubtedly stimulate future scientific discussions.