The Brotherhood of Blackheads is the most recognizable building of ...

The Brotherhood of Blackheads is an association of local unmarried merchants, ship owners, and foreigners that was active in Livonia (present-day Estonia and Latvia) from the mid-14th century till 1940 but still remains active in present day Hamburg. The Brotherhood of Blackheads was founded as a military organization but the non-military aspects of the association gradually became more pronounced until the Brotherhood became a predominantly social organization after the end of the Great Northern War.