Münster's historic old quarter is packed with cultural history – at the beautiful Prinzipalmarkt square, St. Paul's Cathedral with its astronomical clock dating back to 1543, Salzstrasse with its reminders of Hanseatic tradition and buildings by baroque architect Johann Conrad Schlaun. Schlaun is also responsible for the Stadtschloss palace, the Rüschhaus, Erbdrostenhof Palace and the Church of St. Clement's.Prinzipalmarkt square
Prinzipalmarkt square in the city centre is lined with historical merchants' houses. Since around 1280, the rows of houses with their gabled fronts and arched walkways have been a dominant feature of Münster's oldest market street in the heart of the city. After being destroyed in the Second World War, the houses have been restored to their former glory.Erbdrostenhof Palace
A three-winged palace built between 1745 and 1753, Erbdrostenhof Palace with its beautiful baroque façade is considered one of Johann Conrad Schlaun's true masterpieces. It was commissioned by one of the highest-ranking secular officials in the diocese, the Bailiff Droste zu Vischering. The forecourt is enclosed by sweeping walls and bars with an impressive gateway.Kiepenkerl quarter
On this small square the traditional Kiepenkerl monument commemorates the traditional travelling salesmen of the Münsterland region. The 'Kiepenkerle' brought products from the surrounding area into the city in large baskets (Kiepen), offering them for sale at the market and on the doorstep.