Hamburg City Hall

After the Hamburg City Hall burned down in 1842, the City Council temporarily moved to another premises for 55 years. The new town hall was inaugurated in 1897, built on 4,000 oak poles with 647 rooms. In stark contrast to the claustrophobic Hanseatic style, the Town Hall is easy to see due to its ornate facade, flanked by a total of 20 statues of emperors. The Latin inscription engraved on the main door means: "Descendants must seek to preserve the freedom achieved by their ancestors". The ornate wrought-iron gate of the main entrance to the lobby is raised by 16 sandstone columns with 68 portraits of typical Hamburg citizens painted on the columns. The staircase is made from Sardinian marble and shows the human life process. The debate room is designed quite simply and the National Assembly meets here on the third Tuesday of every second week of the month, at 15:00.

Portraits of former speakers of the National Assembly are located adjacent to Bürgersaal, where citizens are received. The Kaisersaal (Royal Hall) - named for Kaiser Wilhelm II's visit at the opening of the North-Baltic Sea Canal - has a striking ceiling painting representing trade under the German flag. The walls are decorated with wall coverings made of sandalwood. City Hall houses special occasions celebrations and receptions. Guests participate in the Golden Book in the Mayor's Hall with its giant fireplace. A painting hangs here depicting the inauguration of the Town Hall in 1897.

Phoenix Hall, named after the phoenix above the fireplace, is meant to symbolize the revival of Hamburg after the great fire of 1842. In the Senate chamber, the only light passed through. large glass roof: this symbolizes the custom of the ancient Germans, when the council had outdoor meetings. The Grand Ballroom is 46 meters long, 18 meters wide and 15 meters high. Five huge paintings depict the history of Hamburg from 800 to 1900, with 62 old Hanseatic League armory insignia adorning the walls. Three chandeliers, each with 278 lights and weighing about 1,500 kg.

Hamburg City Hall is open to the public and visitors from Monday to Sunday, with a number of guided tours available to visitors. In front of the town hall is also a popular venue for fairs, markets and concerts.

Address: Rathausmarkt 1, 20095 Hamburg

Visiting hours: - Mon - Fri: 07:00 - 19:00

- Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00 (until 17:00 for Sunday)