Schnoor

Schnoor is a neighborhood in the medieval centre of the German city of Bremen, and the only part of it that has preserved a medieval character. The neighborhood owes its name to old handicrafts associated with shipping. The alleys between the houses were often associated with occupations or objects: There was an area in which ropes and cables were produced (string = Schnoor) and a neighboring area, where wire cables and anchor chains were manufactured (wire = Wieren).

History

The first ferry service was established here, and the first bridge crossing the Weser was built around the year 1240. Today the oldest houses date back to the 15th century. Most of them are from the 17th and 18th centuries. The houses, often featuring ornate façades, are relatively small due to the limited space available, and the streets are often very narrow.

In the Middle Ages, the Schnoor was one of the poorer districts of Bremen. The inhabitants built boats, while the area was also home to fishermen, craftsmen and traders. The district was renovated from the late 1950s onwards and has become a significant tourist attraction.

Architecture

The architecture in the Schnoor district is characterized by old medieval structures, narrow lanes, and houses from the 17th and 18th centuries. Some of the notable buildings include the St. John's Church, the oldest in Bremen, and the Hochzeitshaus (Wedding House), which was restored to its original form in 1999 after being damaged in World War II.

Tourism

Today, the Schnoor area attracts tourists from around the world. It has numerous small shops, restaurants, and galleries. The car-free environment adds to the charm of the district. The Schnoor is also home to the Bremen Shakespeare Company and the Schnoor Theatre.

See also

• Bremen
• Weser
• St. John's Church