14/10/2015

Exploring Places X: Hanover, Germany

We have received a new postcard! This time its origin is HANOVER!

WHERE IS HANOVER?

Hanover or Hannover is situated on the river Leine. It is the capital of the federal state of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen) in Germany. With a population of 518,000, the city is a major center of northern Germany.

HANOVER IS FAMOUS FOR...

Leibniz

...being the hometown of world-famous philosopher and mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. It is a cosmopolitan centre of innovation which has evolved from its traditionally close links between science and business. This has led to a dynamic economy with thriving growth sectors, such as the life sciences, and established the city’s international reputation as a leading venue for trade fairs and conferences.

PLACES TO VISIT

Tourists from all over the world visit Hannover to see the sights of the capital of Lower Saxony.

The Old Town Hall

Hannover Old Town Hall

The old Town Hall was built over a period of more than 100 years. The earliest part (from 1410) overlooks the Schmiedestrasse (Blacksmith Street), the later wing next to the market was erected on the foundations of the 13th century trade hall. The adjacent wing in the Koebelinger Str. is called the "Chemists' Wing ("Apothekenflügel"), because it was the location of the Town Hall's pharmacy. This wing was later rebuilt in Italian Romanesque style, after a citizen's "action group" led by a well-known neo-Gothic architect, Conrad Wilhelm Hase, managed to save the entire building from demolition in 1844. Hase was commissioned to renovate the remaining wings in their original style of 1500, with its exceptional gothic gables and the ornamental frieze.

The Old Town

Hanover's Old Town

In the days before the Second World War there was a large old town in the centre of Hannover with narrow lanes and many half-timbered buildings from the Middle Ages. Many poor people lived there under bad conditions. Ordinary Hannoverians stayed away from the old town because they also considered it a place of crime and demimonde. The historic value of the picturesque old buildings interested but a few. After the bombing raids of the Second World War there was almost nothing left of Hannover's old town. Forty old half-timbered buildings remained, twelve thereof in Knochenhauer-, Kramer- and Burgstraße. During the rebuilding of Hannover, parts of the old buildings, mainly the facades, were transferred and concentrated in this area. So today they form a "new old town" in Hannover's oldest part

City Centre

Hannover's City Centre

When you walk out of Hannover Central Station towards Ernst August Platz you are almost in the middle of Hannover's city centre. The centre is rather large for a city of half a million. It has grown over the centuries between the old town down by the river, the Aegidientor in the west, the Steintor in the east and the Central Station.

The bomb raids of the Second World War turned most of the city centre into a large heap of rubble. Hardly an old building was spared. So most of the centre was rebuilt in the fashion of the fifties.

Marktkirche

The Marktkirche - the church at the market place - was built in the 14th century. The marketplace was at the very centre of urban expansion in Hannover. Merchants and craftsmen used to live around here. In the 14th century, the Marktkirche ("The Church at the Marketplace") was built here. Together with the Old Town Hall to the right they are considered to be the southernmost specimens of the "North German neo-Gothic" style.

The New Town Hall

Hannover's New Town Hall

Many visitors are quite astonished to hear that the magnificent building they are standing in front of is, actually, the "new" town hall. Its size and grand architectural style make it look more "historical", like a relic from more majestic times, when Hannover used to be a kingdom. The town hall itself was, however, ceremonially opened on 20 June 1913, after twelve years building time. It was designed by the architects Eggert and Halmhuber.

The new townhall is the residence of the mayor, the head of the municipal administration. It is here, that the political bodies hold their sessions, receptions for official guests of the city and art exhibitions are held, the "Citizen's Office" is also here. The doors of the town hall are always wide open to all visitors.

The Opera House

Hannover's Opera House

The opera house was built in 1845-52 based on a plan drawn by Laves. Originally it served as the royal theatre, as the king considered the theatre in the Leineschloß too small. The new opera house is a classical style building with two large wings and a balcony with statues of famous poets and composers.

The Herrenhausen Gardens

Hanover's Herrenhausen Gardens

The Herrenhausen Gardens are an internationally famous ensemble of garden arts and culture that ranks among the most important historical gardens in Europe.

LIFESTYLE

Cycling in Hanover

Hannover’s population say that they are very happy to live here. City forests, parks and recreational areas make Hannover the greenest metropolis in Germany. Maschsee Lake and Lake Steinhude create a maritime flair – inclusive of swimming, sailing and surfing. In no other city in Germany are the people more content with the green areas of their hometown than in Hannover. The quality of life is evident at every turn: top-ranking cultural and sports events, an impressive number of first-rate museums, fantastic shopping in one of Germany’s largest pedestrian precincts as well as the picturesque old town.

Watch this video to discover Hanover!