The town hall (“Rathaus”), a historically grown complex of buildings, is one of the most important town halls in Germany. Its architecture and interior design reflect the political development and economic power of the town.
The oldest preserved parts of the building date from the early 14th century (“Gewandhaus”), the court room with floor and heating system from around 1400. Further noteworthy features include: stained glass windows from the early 15th century, the Renaissance ceiling and wall paintings, the mayoral election chamber with its unique wood panelling and stained glass windows (1491), the princely ballroom with paintings of the princes of the House of Brunswick-Lüneburg (mid-15th century) as well as enormous antler chandeliers and rich Renaissance furnishings, the old chancellery with wall and ceiling paintings (15th century) and the large council chamber with oak carvings and paintings from the Renaissance. The Baroque façade overlooking the market square has remains of Gothic pillars and sandstone figures from around 1604/07.
