Stadthauptmannhof

The Stadthauptmannhof in Mölln is a building in the style of Brick Renaissance. It was the seat and residence of the Lübeck governor in the city of Mölln until the pledged city was returned to the Dukes of Saxe-Lauenburg due to a decision by the Imperial Chamber Court in 1683.

The listed building complex was newly constructed around 1550 on behalf of the Hanseatic city of Lübeck, which had taken Mölln into its administration as collateral since 1359. Here, the Lübeck Vogt (Stadthauptmann) had his residence and administrative seat in the city, which was strategically important for Lübeck, located on the Stecknitz Canal and the Old Salt Road. Previously, the Mölln residence of the Dukes of Saxe-Lauenburg was located at this site.

The two-story main brick building features a very high, representatively designed ground floor, which is set apart from the noticeably lower upper floor by a brick frieze. The gable roof is hipped to the north. Above the entrance with its round-arch portal are two medallions with sandstone coats of arms and an inscription tablet.

The buildings grouped around an inner courtyard were used as school buildings for the Pestalozzi School in the 20th century. Since the last renovation, it now serves as a cultural center and the seat of the Herzogtum Lauenburg Foundation.