Place of interest

Old city hall

Hannover's oldest town hall, featuring magnificent Gothic brick architecture; today it serves as a registry office and cultural venue.

The Old Town Hall is an architectural highlight of Hanover’s Old Town—along with the Marktkirche right next door, it is considered the southernmost masterpiece of North German Brick Gothic architecture.

Construction on the Old Town Hall spanned several centuries. In the early 15th century, the oldest north wing was extended to include the east wing on Schmiedestraße. Between 1453 and 1455, the market wing was rebuilt, and the stepped gables were erected (including where the courtyard arbour now stands and on the opposite side). The courtyard arbour was built in 1490. In the 16th century, the facades were given new window openings, and round arches were replaced with rectangular ones (similar to the Renaissance period). From 1565 to 1567, the section on Köbelingerstraße was expanded, and the apothecary wing was added. In the 1830s, the building was threatened with demolition. Citizens of Hanover protested, and the apothecary wing was replaced by a new structure designed by Heinrich Andreae—(Northern Italian palace architecture)—the Doge’s Palace. The south wing facing Schmiedestrasse was restored by Conrad Wilhelm Hase from 1878 to 1882.

Old town hall in the evening, photographer: Martin Kirchner

This gem of the Old Town was nearly lost forever, as the entire town hall was slated for demolition in 1844. However, thanks to the vigorous protests of a citizens’ initiative led by the renowned architect Conrad Wilhelm Hase, this disaster was averted. Hase, a specialist in the Neo-Gothic style, was ultimately commissioned to restore the south wing, returning it to its original style from around 1500.

Particular treasures are the magnificent Gothic pinnacle gables and the clay frieze above the outer right-hand arched window on Schmiedestraße. In addition to portraits of princes and coats of arms, it also shows a depiction of "Luderziehen" - a medieval folk game, comparable to the "Strebkatzenziehen" (cat pulling) common in southern Germany.

The popular classic between the city center and the old town

City walk

On this tour, you’ll experience the Hannover of days gone by in the charming Old Town, with its narrow streets and sights.

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Hop-on hop-off city tour

City tour in a double-decker bus

Discover Hanover’s most beautiful sights on the hop-on, hop-off city tour. A special highlight: Every first and third Saturday of the month...

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Where is the Old Town Hall located?
In Hanover's Old Town, on Karmarschstraße / Marktplatz, right next to the Marktkirche.

When was the Old Town Hall built?
The oldest part dates back to the 15th century. The building was erected and extended in several construction phases.

In which architectural style is the Old Town Hall built?
It is an important example of North German Brick Gothic architecture.

What are the special features of the façade?
The façade is richly decorated with Gothic ornamental gables, tracery and ornamental brick elements.

Has the building been altered over time?
Yes. In the 19th century, the building underwent renovations in the Neo-Gothic style. After World War II, the damaged building was rebuilt in a simplified form and later restored.

What was the original function of the Old Town Hall?
For centuries, it served as the seat of the city council and the municipal administration of Hanover.

What use does the building have today?
Today, it is mainly used for gastronomic purposes and houses restaurants and event rooms, among other things.

What significance does the Old Town Hall hold for Hanover?
It is one of the oldest preserved secular buildings in the city and is a central historical building in the old town.

Old city hall

Karmarschstraße 42,
30159 Hannover

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