Lacking the charm of neighboring Hansa cities, Hanover has never scored high on the list of most favorite destinations in Germany. Most people assume that this place is solely an industrial center with nothing else to see. Yet hidden beneath the “industrialized” façade is a city full of history and cultural heritage which are only visible to those with patience and a keen eye.
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.
The Downturn 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.
1. The Old Town
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.
2. New City Hall
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.
3. Herrenhausen Gardens
Outside the city center, the Herrenhausen Gardens are the ideal destinations for whoever wants to have access to nature. They are the heritage of the Kings of Hanover and consist of four different gardens: the Great Garden, the Berggarten, the Georgegarten, and the Welfengarten. Their history spans over centuries and today they remain a popular recreational area for Hanoverians.
3.1 The Great Garden
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.
Tips for visiting Hanover
- Visitors can travel 98 meters to the top of the City Hall via a curved lift. There are four observation platforms where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Altstadt and the beautiful Masch Lake.
- The gardens are reachable by Tram 4 and 5, departing from Hanover Steintor.
- While the Georgegarten and the Welfengarten is a public area and freely accessible, visitors have to pay admission ticket for the Great Garden and the George Garden. Please note that they only open until 18:00.
- An extra ticket is required for the firework shows. The garden will also light up after the shows for one more hour.
- Hanover is an ideal base to explore Marienburg Castle. It’s the token of true love, which dwells between King George V, the Last King of Hanover and Queen Marie of Saxe-Altenburg.
It needs some courage to write about Hannover today which used to be the capital of a small kingdom long time ago. Thanks for sharing.
You welcome! If I remember correctly there was a time that the monarchs from the House of Hanover even ruled the British Empire. Marriage surely brought benefit at that time 🙂
In the golden times of monarchies in Europe nationality was not such a great topic like today. The husband of the actual British Queen a German but with deep roots in Greece, and now a Britain. Royalistic migrants!
I think globalization has a deep root, and migrants weren’t an issue in the centuries past. In fact, if there were no migrants, Europe would be a wasteland after the Black Death and all the wars. But now, as the world is more connected, they started raising question about national identity. How strange! 🙂
What I like about Europe is that every town/city has its own story and rich history. I didn’t even know Hanover was for Cebit, thanks for the education. The fireworks are awesome! 😊
It was indeed an amazing show! But it was only the first round of an international firework competition. I wonder how great the Finale looks like 🙂
Many years ago now I was in Hanover at a World Expo (working). Spent quite some time there but never got to have a proper look around the city. Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure! 🙂
Reading about how many historic buildings in Germany (and other countries) were damaged during WWII always makes me sad, but learning about their reconstruction is encouraging — it makes me think of cities in war-torn countries today. When the war is over and peace returns, there’s always hope that destroyed monuments can be rebuilt to its original appearance.
It is good to see stories of re-growth/repair. It is uplifting. Thanks!
Hanover looks lovely! I’ve hardly spent any time in Germany and would love to explore more. Clearly there things in/near Hanover worth seeing – especially that Great Garden!
Alison
Thank you, Alison 🙂 If possible, you should include the firework show in the plan. I’ve seen many performances, but the one at the Great Garden is truly spectacular.
Personally, I think you can spend weeks to explore Germany. There is a huge difference between regions, in term of culture and landscape.