Once a prominent port under the protection of the Hanseatic League, Rostock still owes its importance to the sea. A fine view of the city, with a number of restored late-Gothic and Renaissance buildings, may be had from the harbor. Stroll through the heart of the medieval old town, with its eye-pleasing variety of architecture. The unusual Rathaus features seven slender decorative towers, giving it a profile similar to that of a birthday cake. Be sure to visit St. Mary's Church (Marienkirche), a handsome Gothic structure noted for its huge astronomical clock dating from 1472; its calendar extends to the year 2017. You may also wish to visit the ship docked permanently at the Port Center. After the fall of Communism, additional space was needed for the flood of consumer goods which swept in from the west, so the vessel was commandeered and converted into shops.