Altstadt

Hamburger Rathaus

A neo-Renaissance showpiece from 1897 with 647 rooms – one of Europe's most magnificent town halls.

Hamburg's 1897 City Hall is one of the most splendid seats of government in Europe and an openly accessible venue: 647 rooms spread across a neo-Renaissance block whose 112-metre tower defines the skyline. Architect Martin Haller wanted a statement: Hamburg is a Hanseatic city and a republic – not a kingdom – and the town hall was meant to broadcast that. Hence the doubled coat of arms in the courtyard, the 20 statues of German emperors on the facade (Hamburg was never part of the imperial circle), and the famous inscription in the Phönixsaal: 'Libertatem quam peperere maiores digne studeat servare posteritas' – may posterity strive to preserve in a worthy manner the freedom won by our forebears. Practical detail: the Rathaus is the seat of the city parliament (Bürgerschaft) and Senate, and at the same time open to visitors. Free guided tours run several times a day in German and English (entrance on the market side; book through the Senate Chancellery or sign up at the door). Tour highlights: the Kaisersaal, the Phönixsaal, the Great Banqueting Hall with the 68 coats of arms of Saxon-German cities, and the Mayor's staircase. In the courtyard, the gilded Hygieia fountain. Outside, the Rathausmarkt itself hosts the Hanseatic Christmas market every November and December, with a Roncalli-circus feel. Getting there: U3 Rathaus, direct exit.

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