Old Town Hall (Hildesheim)
Niedersachsen
The Old Town Hall of Hildesheim, located on the eastern side of the Historic Market Place, is a notable Gothic sandstone structure originally built around 1325. It serves as the seat of the city administration and stands as one of the oldest city halls in Germany. The building was heavily damaged during World War II but was meticulously rebuilt and inaugurated in 1954, preserving its medieval charm. The town hall features a central stepped gable and is flanked by two towers, one of which, called "Lilie," dates back to the 13th century and possibly served as part of the original city fortifications. The Market Place itself, once considered one of the most beautiful in the world, was devastated by bombing in 1945 but has since been reconstructed with painstaking attention to historical detail. The Old Town Hall is surrounded by other remarkable half-timbered buildings such as the Butchers' Guild Hall and the Bakers' Guild Hall, all reconstructed to reflect their original Gothic and Renaissance styles. Today, the Old Town Hall not only functions as a governmental building but also stands as a symbol of Hildesheim's resilience and rich medieval heritage, attracting visitors interested in history, architecture, and culture.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit the Historic Market Place and Old Town Hall during spring or early autumn when the weather is pleasant and the square hosts local markets and events. It is recommended to explore the area on foot to fully appreciate the reconstructed half-timbered houses and the intricate details of the Old Town Hall. Tickets for guided tours or museum entries around the Market Place can often be purchased in advance through the local tourist information. Visitors should check opening hours ahead, especially outside of peak tourist seasons. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups.
Interesting facts
- •The 'Lilie' tower of the Old Town Hall dates back to the 13th century and features very thick walls and small windows resembling firing slits, hinting at its possible defensive use.
- •The Butchers' Guild Hall, adjacent to the Market Place, was originally built in 1529 and reconstructed between 1987 and 1989 using 400 cubic meters of oak wood and 19,000 roof tiles, some nearly 200 years old.
- •The Market Fountain in the Market Place dates back to 1542 and was restored during the Market Place reconstruction.
- •The Old Town Hall's facade includes a medieval relief inscription in Gothic letters reading 'Dat is de garenmathe' meaning 'That is the yarn measure.'
- •The Market Place's half-timbered houses were considered among the most beautiful in the world before their destruction in WWII and have been faithfully reconstructed.
History
Hildesheim was founded in 815 as a bishopric and quickly grew into a town with market rights granted in 983.
The current Market Place was established in the early 13th century to accommodate the expanding city, which received city rights in 1249.
Construction of the Old Town Hall began in 1268 and was completed by 1290.
Over the centuries, the building underwent several remodels including significant changes in the 14th and 15th centuries and again in the late 19th century.
The Old Town Hall and surrounding Market Place suffered severe destruction during World War II bombings in 1945.
Post-war reconstruction efforts culminated in the 1954 reopening of the Town Hall and a larger restoration project of the Market Place in the 1980s, which aimed to restore the historic character of the square and its buildings.
Place Guide
Old Town Hallcirca 1325
A Gothic sandstone building dating from the early 14th century, serving as the city administration seat. It features a central stepped gable and two historic towers, including the medieval 'Lilie' tower with defensive architectural elements.
Butchers' Guild Hall (Knochenhauer-Amtshaus)1529
A magnificent half-timbered building originally erected in 1529 in Gothic style, destroyed in 1945 and reconstructed from 1987 to 1989. Its facade is richly decorated with colorful paintings and German proverbs. Today it houses a restaurant and the City Museum.
Bakers' Guild Hall (Bäckeramtshaus)1825
Originally built in 1825, replacing an older guildhall, it was destroyed in 1945 and reconstructed by 1989. It features an open arcade and brick-filled timber framing, currently hosting a café and restaurant.
Market Fountain1542
A historic fountain dating from 1542 located in the Market Place, restored during the Market Place's reconstruction efforts.
Contact
Phone: 05121 3000
