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Love at first sight: Hannover
There are cities that people love to talk about, even if they've never been. Hannover is a bit different in that respect. The city only becomes a talking point once it's actually been visited. But all the more so, because Hannover has an unbelievable amount to discover, which no one would suspect looking at the modern face of a city rebuilt after the war. For this reason, it's well worth going back for a second or third visit, each one revealing more layers.
Where people meet. And where they go.
People arranging to meet friends tend to rendezvous at one of two places in Hannover – by the statue on Ernst-August-Platz outside the train station or at the Kröpcke, the city's most central location. The centre of Hannover, which grew in size over the centuries to extend from the former old town to the 19th century train station, is larger than most. But today, unfortunately, the old town is no longer what it used to be. All that remains is concentrated in just a few streets. Nevertheless, Hannover is still worth a trip. There are still narrow, winding lanes to explore, traditional taverns to drink in and attractive shops to visit, not to mention the medieval Old Town Hall.
Hannover's pride and joy took one hundred years to build, has been converted and added to, and was once close to being torn down completely. Luckily for us today, it was restored to its full 15th century splendour in 1850 – and is a truly first-rate attraction. It's well located, too: right opposite stands the Market Hall, where the locals buy their fresh produce. This is a traditional spot with lots of atmosphere. From past to present: the New Town Hall, Leineschloss palace and the Nana sculpturesThe New Town hall is situated between the Old Town and beautiful Masch Park. Its size and splendour suggest something more historic, from when Hannover was still a kingdom, but it actually only dates back to 1913. From the imposing domed hall there is a route into the eastern wing and the new Bürgersaal, which regularly hosts fascinating exhibitions and smaller events. A glimpse inside the Hodlersaal conference hall reveals Swiss painter Ferdinand Hodler's monumental wall painting Einmütigkeit (unanimity), which depicts Hannover's conversion to the Reformation cause. Also popular with visitors is the Leineschloss, the seat of Lower Saxony's regional assembly and a former royal residence. Hannover's route of sculptures begins right outside the building. The most famous of these are the Nanas by Niki de Saint Phalle, which provoked great controversy on their installation in 1974, but are now much loved.
All the world's a stage: theatres in Hannover
But as well as in public spaces, the arts can be enjoyed at a range of different venues. These include the State Theatre, the Opera House, the open-air theatre in Herrenhausen's Great Garden with its programme of enchanting summer musicals, the New Theatre for comedy and variety, and the Theater am Aegi, which features guest ensembles of all genres. There is also a thriving independent theatre scene, encompassing the Theaterwerkstatt im Pavillon, the Theater an der Glocksee, Commedia Futura, the Hinterbühne, the Fenster zur Stadt theatre and the Mittwochstheater. All in all, Hannover is a first-class city for stage entertainment. Dance and ballet are also well represented. Each year the three major events in this category are the International Dance Theatre Festival, the International Choreographers Competition and the Tango Festival. Beyond this, Hannover offers satirical cabaret, comedy, all styles of jazz (the city is Germany's jazz capital) and, of course, rock and pop as the home of the Scorpions and Lena – two of Germany's best loved chart acts. Dozens of museums with important collections as well as galleries and art associations are the icing on the cake. The list just goes on, but as we said before – Hannover is full of surprises!
