Löwenkopf Hamburg
Feb 8, 2025

Löwenkopf Hamburg

A lion's head at the church

"The "Löwenkopf", or Lion's Head in St Petri in Hamburg, is one of the oldest pieces of art we have here in the city. It's existed since 1342..."

You could say: weird lion! Is it even one? And for a door opener it seems too heavy. Well, guess what?! It is one of the oldest pieces of art we have in Hamburg, and it's accessible for everyone at any time. I love it so much especially when I touch it and hold on to the thought that my predecessors also used to do so -- since 1342. You read it just right! It is a nearly 700 year-old piece in a weird lion shape because at that time nearly no-one knew what a lion looked like, even though my Hamburg peeps have always travelled a lot throughout the world.

The lion's head can be found on the LEFT door (there is a newer one on the right side of the door; don't mix it up) of one of our main churches just downtown, next to the shopping street and the town hall. The church is called St. Petri and I recommend not just watching the lion at the entrance but also checking it out if you're there at the right time and the stairs up the tower.. It's made of wood and moves a little. Impeccable views! From up. And down.

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Art & culture

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Bei der Petrikirche 2

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