Germany's most beautiful town halls

The town hall, unusually opulent for Hanseatic taste, was built in the style of historicism. It combines Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque elements, and has 647 rooms. The highlight of a tour is the banquet hall, where the Matthiae Meal traditionally takes place – a banquet to which the mayor invites honored guests such as monarchs and business leaders.

Bremen's town hall (left) has been the seat of government for 600 years. It is the only medieval town hall in Europe that was never destroyed and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With corner towers and battlements, it once looked like a fortress. Since the 17th century, the facade has been decorated in the Weser Renaissance style with countless figures and reliefs made of sandstone.

Berlin also has a beautiful town hall, which is called Red Town Hall because of its color. It is located near Alexanderplatz and the landmark TV Tower. During the division of Berlin, the East Berlin Magistrate met here, while the West Berlin Senate resided in Schöneberg Town Hall. Since 1991, the Red City Hall has once again served as the joint seat of government.

The New Town Hall is so beautiful that it has become Hanover's landmark. The name is surprising, because the magnificent Wilhelminian building is already over 100 years old. But that still makes the building younger than the Old City Hall, which dates back to 1410. Inside, there are four city models from different eras, and an inclined elevator takes visitors up to the dome.

The town hall in Wernigerode was first mentioned in a document in 1277 as a play and court house – medieval amusements such as dancing and jugglers' games took place here. It acquired its present appearance in the 16th century. With its pretty half-timbering, the town hall is not alone – Wernigerode is also known as the "Colorful Town on the Harz" because of its colorful half-timbered houses.

The Old Town Hall from the 16th century now houses the Museum of City History. The building is 90 meters (295 ft) long and not quite symmetrically built. Thus, the tower is not in the middle, but in the golden section. And the facade is not quite straight either. If you look closely, you will discover a slight bend between the first and second gables from the right.

Frankfurt's town hall is called "Römer" (roman). There are several explanations for the name. One is that the merchant who lived here before the city acquired the building traded with Rome and Italy. The Imperial Hall (Kaisersaal), with 52 paintings of German emperors and kings, is worth a visit. During large events, famous guests often step out from the Imperial Hall onto the balcony.

Bamberg's Old Town Hall is in the middle of the Regnitz River and marks the old boundary between the bishop's hill town and the civil island town. In former times, the clergy resided on the hills, while the townsfolk built their own center of power in the valley. When they wanted a town hall, the bishop is said to have refused them space, so they unceremoniously built it in the river.

Time seems to have stood still in this small Bavarian town: Visitors feel transported back the Middle Ages here. A large number of the houses from that time have been preserved to this day. Among all the timber-framed buildings, the imposing town hall with its Renaissance facade is particularly striking. Those who want to see Rothenburg from above can climb the 220 steps of the town hall tower.

Anyone visiting Munich will not miss the New Town Hall. The neo-Gothic building flanks Marienplatz square, the center of the Bavarian capital. The city hall is best known for its carillon. Two or three times a day, the 32 figures make their grand dance appearance. Then numerous onlookers gather to enjoy the spectacle.