Germany Guide
North Rhine-Westphalia
The Rathaus
Address: Rathausplatz
Opening time: Mon, Wed & Thurs 8am–4pm, Tues 8am–6pm, Fri 8am–2pm
Price: Free
The sprawling Rathaus occupies much of the space between Alter Markt and Rathausplatz. Seriously damaged during World War II, the complex now presents a dizzying array of styles, from Gothic to 1970s. Miraculously, the beautiful Renaissance Rathauslaube, or porch, built between 1569 and 1573 to the plans of Wilhelm Vernukken of Kalkar, was only lightly damaged during the war. Another surviving feature is the eight-sided, fifteenth-century Gothic tower. Highlights of the interior include the Hansa Hall dating from 1330 and the rich Renaissance decoration of the Senatssaal or Senate Hall, which escaped destruction by being removed for safekeeping during the war.