Hannover was mentioned for the first time in records in 1150.

Situated at river Leine Hannover is well-known for the Hannover Fair and Cebit trade fair. Hannover is a junction of many railway and traffic connections and connected to waterways by the Mittellandkanal.

A wide spectrum of events offers national and international visitors amusement, relaxation and business opportunities. Museums in Hannover stage interesting exhibitions. Moreover, Hannover has many fascinating places of interest that are meant to be discovered. For example, the Old Town with lots of narrow alleys and historical half-timbered houses.

Hannover used to have a typical medieval city centre. However, during World War II most of it was destroyed. Today's Old Town quarter consists of the remaining houses and those that have been reconstructed around Market Church and City Hall. The New City Hall (Neues Rathaus) is a popular motive for photographers and a landmark of the city. The Ballhof was built in the middle of the 17th century for sport as well as social events. Today it is used for theatre performances.

Near the History Museum, at Holzmarkt, you can visit the Leibniz House. Famous philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz used to live in this house that was built in 1499 and renewed in 1652. In „Hintere Burgstrasse“ stands Hannover’s both nicest and oldest town house. Built in 1566 it has a luxuriously decorated Renaissance facade. The Kreuzkirche (Church of the Holy Cross) was built in 1333 and is the oldest church in Hannover. Its altar was built by Lucas Cranach, the elder, in 1537.

If you like nature and garden art, you should visit the garden ensemble Herrenhausen with its baroque garden. Hannover’s Botanical Mountain Garden and English Georgengarden are worth an excursion.

The Leineschloss (Castle of Leine), the earlier royal residence, now is seat of Lower Saxony’s Landtag. It was rebuilt after destruction during World War II when the south wing was substituted by a modern plenary hall.

More information: http://www.hannover.de/en/content/view/full/363614

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