In the heart of Hanau, nestled in the bustling Marktplatz, stands the Neustädter Rathaus, a testament to the city's rich history and architectural splendor. This baroque-style town hall, with its grand façade of red Franconian sandstone, is not just a municipal building but a symbol of the city's resilience and pride.
The journey of the Neustädter Rathaus began in 1606 when its construction was first proposed. However, due to financial constraints, the project was repeatedly postponed. For over a century, the city's administration operated out of rented buildings and private homes. It wasn't until June 11, 1725, under the reign of Count Johann Reinhard III, that the foundation stone for the Neustädter Rathaus was finally laid.
Designed by Christian Ludwig Hermann, the Rathaus was completed in 1733. The construction was supported by the local ruler, who provided affordable building materials and scaffolding wood from the construction of Philippsruhe Castle. A few years later, Hermann also designed additional buildings at the back, which housed the city's archives, a prison, and the residence of the town clerk.
Like many historical buildings in Germany, the Neustädter Rathaus did not escape the ravages of World War II. The structure was almost entirely destroyed during the bombing raids, leaving only the outer walls standing. In the 1960s, the city undertook the monumental task of rebuilding the Rathaus. The surviving façade and walls were meticulously restored and incorporated into a new, modern municipal complex designed by architect Theo Pabst.
This reconstruction saw the Rathaus being surrounded by U-shaped new administrative buildings in the then-popular, functional style of exposed concrete with flat roofs. It wasn't until the 1990s that these modern buildings received a baroque-style roof extension, blending the old with the new.
From 2018 to 2022, the Neustädter Rathaus underwent a comprehensive renovation. Today, the Elisabeth-Selbert-Saal on the first floor hosts the city council meetings, while the upper floors accommodate the magistrate, political factions, and other governmental bodies. The foyer serves as an exhibition space, adding a cultural dimension to this historic building.
The Neustädter Rathaus is a striking example of baroque architecture. Its façade, crafted from red Franconian sandstone, exudes a sense of grandeur and permanence. The central gable at the roofline features the double coat of arms of Count Johann Reinhard III and his wife, Dorothea Friederike of Brandenburg-Ansbach. This emblem is flanked by two allegorical female figures representing Justice and Peace. Justice, on the left, holds a scale, scepter, and an eagle with a sword at her feet. Peace, on the right, is adorned with a golden torch, a book, and a crane symbolizing vigilance and security.
The ornate iron balcony showcases the colorful, gilded coat of arms of Neustadt, featuring the city's patroness, Hanovia, and the year of completion, 1733. This attention to detail and symbolism reflects the founders' self-confidence and the importance they placed on self-governance.
One of the most enchanting features of the Neustädter Rathaus is its carillon, installed in the tower in 1755. The carillon, with its 18 bells, was restored after the war and continues to charm visitors with its melodic chimes. Every day, the carillon plays a selection of tunes at specific times:
The Neustädter Rathaus also played a pivotal role in the revolutionary history of Hanau. On March 9, 1848, the Hanauer Ultimatum, a significant document of the revolutionary period, was proclaimed from the Rathaus balcony by August Rühl. This declaration marked the Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm I of Hesse-Kassel's concession to the freedom demands of the Hanau People's Commission, a momentous event in the city's history.
In conclusion, the Neustädter Rathaus is not just a building; it is a living monument to Hanau's storied past and its enduring spirit. Its walls tell tales of resilience, governance, and cultural pride, making it an unmissable landmark for anyone visiting this historic German city.
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