Rebuilt after the Second World War, Hanover’s first appearance hardly can’t knock visitors off their feet. It is a mere reconstruction of a former commercial center, with only a handful of old houses left in place. The rest is a monotonous concrete jungle. But in centuries past, the city on the eastern bank of River Leine held a key position on the northwest trading route.

It connected the Hanseatic League’s cities like Hamburg and Bremen with those in the North German Plain, as well as Rhineland-Palatinate. The city also played an important role in overland traffic skirting the Harz between the Low Countries and Saxony. By the 16th century, the city of Hanover had already become prosperous. It was a kingdom unto itself, ruled by the monarchs of Hanover.

Ironically, Hanover’s strategic location also brought destruction to the city. When WWII broke out, the city was heavily bombed because it was an important railroad and road junction, as well as a major production center in Northern Germany. More than 88 bombing raids were carried out, killing 6000 people and leaving 90% of the city center in ruins.

Many of Hanover’s architectural and cultural gems suffered the same fate. They were only rebuilt decades later, including the Altstadt (Old Town), the New City Hall, as well as the Herrenhausen Gardens. Only the Aegidienkirche (Church of Aegidius) was never repaired. Just like the A-Dome in Hiroshima, this ruin was kept as a war memorial.

Despite being recently restored, the Old Town of Hanover does emit a nostalgic feeling. The area appears as though it has been there for centuries, with a market square dominated by a Gothic church, narrow cobblestone lanes, red-brick buildings, and a row of half-timbered houses.

Some original elements such as roof tiles, bricks, or wooden frames are re-used. It’s visible in many of these buildings, including the facade of the Old City Hall or the bell tower of the Marktkirche.

Resembling a magnificent palace, the New City Hall at the southern edge of the inner city is probably Hanover’s most remarkable architecture. The construction began in 1901. But it took about 12 years and 10 million Marks (more than 5.1 million Euros) to complete this grandiose project

During WWII, the eclectic-style building was severely damaged. Fortunately, it was restored just one year after the war had come to an end. Since then, the New City Hall has been used as the residence of the mayor, as well as the seat of the municipal administration.

Among the four gardens in Herrenhausen, the Great Garden seems to be the most fascinating. This garden, as its name implies, is grand, both in scale and style. It follows the Baroque style of Versailles, with 50 hectares of lawns, walkways, fountains, and statues arranged in strict geometrical patterns

The garden also contains a maze, a palace as well as an outdoor theater. And on several summer weekends, the Great Garden is transformed into a venue for magical firework shows.