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Old City Hall - Hanover - Visit Hanover

Place of interest

Old city hall

Old Town Hall Hanover

Old town hall and market church

Hanover's oldest town hall with magnificent brick Gothic architecture, now a registry office and cultural venue.

The Old Town Hall is an architectural highlight of Hanover's old town - together with the Market Church next door, it is considered the southernmost showpiece of North German brick Gothic architecture.

The Old Town Hall was built for centuries. At the beginning of the 15th century, the oldest north wing was extended by the east wing on Schmiedestr. Between 1453 and 1455, the market wing was rebuilt and the stepped gables were erected (including where the courtyard arbor now stands and on the other side). The courtyard arbor was built in 1490. In the 16th century, the façades were given new window openings, round arches became rectangular (similar to the Renaissance period). From 1565-67, the part in Köbelingerstrasse was extended and the apothecary wing was built. In the 1830s, the house was threatened with demolition. The citizens of Hanover fought back and the apothecary wing was replaced by a new building by Heinrich Andreae - (northern Italian palace architecture) the Doge's Palace. The south wing facing Schmiedestr. was restored by Conrad Wilhelm Hase, 1878-82.

Old town hall in the evening

Old town hall in the evening, photographer: Martin Kirchner

This gem of the old town was almost lost forever, as the entire town hall was due to be demolished in 1844. However, thanks to the energetic protests of a citizens' initiative led by the renowned architect Conrad Wilhelm Hase, this catastrophe was prevented. The neo-Gothic architect Hase was finally allowed to renovate the south wing and restored it to its original state 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.

Group in the old town

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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City tour in front of the New Town Hall

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. Particularly popular: on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month...

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Where is the Old Town Hall located?
In Hanover's old town, on Karmarschstraße / Marktplatz, in the immediate vicinity of 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 it was rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style. After the Second World War, 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 Hanover's council and city administration.

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.

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