Place of interest

Guelph Castle

The castle that was never used as a castle.

Several cars are parked in front of a castle-like building. — Since 1879, the Welfenschloss has served as the main campus of Leibniz University Hannover.

Welfenschloss, a former residence of the Kings of Hanover, was built between 1857 and 1866 in the Neo-Gothic style. It was commissioned by King George V and constructed according to the plans of architect Christian Heinrich Tramm. The four-winged complex is constructed of yellowish-white Velpker sandstone and Nesselberg sandstone. The palace’s façade features round-arched windows and tower-like bay windows, while the rear of the palace, facing the Welfengarten, is highlighted by a semicircular central risalit. In 1862, a sculpture of Henry the Lion was erected as part of the palace, reflecting the tradition of the Guelph rulers. Since 1879, the palace has served as the seat of the University of Hannover, after standing vacant for several years. In 1866, following the loss of the German War, the palace was abandoned by the Guelphs and taken over by Prussia. In 1943, during air raids in World War II, parts of the palace, particularly the chapel and the spires, were severely damaged. A new wing was built between 1956 and 1958 to house the university’s auditorium maximum and large physics lecture hall. Today, the Welfenschloss is an important historical building and a striking landmark in Hannover.

The Great Garden with Herrenhausen Palace

Tourist highlight

The Herrenhausen Gardens

Famous baroque gardens with magnificent water features and historic gardens.

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