From a "suburb of modernity" to a metropolis in Lower Saxony

Hanover in Transition

The history of the city of Hanover spans from its medieval beginnings through its time as a royal seat to Hanover City 2020+.

As the state capital of Lower Saxony, Hanover is now one of Germany’s leading major cities. The black-and-white map shows the city in 1916, while the color map to its right is a current view. By holding down the mouse button, you can zoom in and out of the black-and-white map using the white button, allowing you to see how the cityscape has changed over time. At the end of World War II, not only the Old Town and Calenberger Neustadt, but also large parts of the adjacent North, East, and South City districts lay in ruins. After the destruction, the reconstruction phase began. City Planning Director Rudolf Hillebrecht designed the downtown area with wide streets and green spaces. The Marktkirche was rebuilt in 1946 as a defining landmark. In the 1950s, today’s government district took shape in the area around Waterlooplatz. The Ihme-Zentrum was completed in 1975 in the Brutalist style. Hannover’s newly acquired central role following German reunification and the EXPO 2000 World’s Fair provided significant impetus for urban development. The revitalization of the area around the main train station is one example of this. Aegidientorplatz has also undergone changes following the removal of the elevated highway in 1999. The new Nord/LB building on Friedrichswall also stands out as a prominent landmark.