Altes Rathaus

In the charming town of Celle, nestled in the Lower Saxony region of Germany, stands the Altes Rathaus, or Old Town Hall, a remarkable testament to the town’s rich history and architectural evolution. This historic building, with its intricate facade and storied past, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the medieval and Renaissance periods of northern Germany.

The Historical Evolution of Altes Rathaus

The Altes Rathaus in Celle traces its origins back to the city’s founding in 1292. The northern part of the building, with its Gothic vaulted ceilings and the historic Ratskeller (council cellar), is a remnant of this early period. The building's evolution mirrors the town's development, reflecting the architectural styles and historical events that shaped Celle over the centuries.

One of the most striking features of the Altes Rathaus is its northern gable, a splendid example of Weser Renaissance architecture, added in 1579. This period also saw the addition of the coats of arms of Duke Wilhelm the Younger and his wife, Dorothea of Denmark, above the entrance portal facing the market square. The two figures adorning the two-story bay window are believed to represent the emperor and his consort, adding a regal touch to the facade. A small portrait of the master builder, Jacob Rieß, can be found on the left entrance pillar, a subtle yet intriguing detail for observant visitors.

In the late 16th century, around 1580, the Altes Rathaus underwent significant expansion. Three adjacent townhouses were demolished to make way for a timber-framed extension, which was later rebuilt in solid construction in 1785. This extension housed market, court, and festive halls on both the ground and upper floors. Locally known as the Hochzeitshaus, or Wedding House, this part of the building was a popular venue for large family celebrations, reflecting its importance in the social life of Celle’s citizens.

The last major architectural addition to the Altes Rathaus occurred in 1938, when a five-meter-long southern extension was constructed, carefully designed to blend seamlessly with the existing structure.

The Fascinating Facade Paintings

During restoration work in 1985, an astonishing discovery was made: 13 layers of paint, applied over the centuries, were uncovered. Among these layers was a remarkable piece of 17th-century illusionistic painting, unique in Lower Saxony. This layer was meticulously restored on the northern part of the building the same year, reviving a piece of the building’s artistic heritage. Further restoration from 2006 to 2009, costing approximately 1.98 million euros, ensured the preservation and enhancement of the facade’s historical and artistic value.

Inside the Altes Rathaus

The interior of the Altes Rathaus has also seen numerous transformations. The halls, which were once rented out for events, were converted into offices and workspaces in 1858. The ground floor hall served as a wine shop and restaurant before becoming the city treasury in 1921. The 20th-century renovation by artists Werner Hantelmann and Georg Herting, from 1938 to 1940, gave the interior its current appearance. The first-floor gallery, adorned with four baroque wooden figures representing the virtues of temperance, justice, strength, and wisdom, adds to the building’s historical ambiance.

Since the opening of the New Town Hall in 1999, the Altes Rathaus has been repurposed to accommodate the tourist information center, the administration of the Schlosstheater, and the Lower Saxony Academy for Homeopathy and Natural Medicine. Various rooms and halls are available for receptions, meetings, and weddings, making the Altes Rathaus a vibrant part of Celle’s community life.

The Historic Ratskeller

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Altes Rathaus is the Ratskeller, which received the ducal right to serve wine and foreign beers on June 8, 1378, making it the oldest tavern in Lower Saxony. The wall frescoes, created by Berlin painter Walter Miehe between 1938 and 1940, add a unique artistic touch to the cellar, which was redesigned during this period. The Ratskeller comprises several rooms, including the Bürgermeisterkeller (Mayor’s Cellar), Schützenkeller (Marksmen’s Cellar), and Ratsherrenkeller (Councillor’s Cellar), offering a total of 180 seats for guests to enjoy.

The Elle and Pillory Columns

At the eastern entrance portal facing the market, visitors can find the Elle, a 62.5 cm measuring stick recreated in 1931 after the original was stolen in 1855. This measure, inscribed with the phrase “An honest citizen here measures what a Celle Elle really is,” is a charming reminder of historical trade practices. Additionally, the entrance to the tourist information center at the southern gable is flanked by two 1786 pillory columns with neck irons. These columns, originally part of the ground floor court arcade, were used as a pillory, sold in 1863, and eventually returned to their current location in 1941.

The Altes Rathaus in Celle is not just a building; it is a living museum of the town’s history, architecture, and culture. Its walls, adorned with centuries of art and craftsmanship, tell the stories of Celle’s past, making it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting this picturesque German town.