Castle Square
Burgplatz

Burgplatz is one of the most historic places in Braunschweig and dates back to the Middle Ages, when it served as the city’s political and religious center. The square was built as an integral part of Duke Henry the Lion’s power base in the second half of the 12th century, when he wanted to mark Braunschweig as a residence and a cultural hub in his vast duchy. Unlike many other medieval squares that developed around markets, Burgplatz was deliberately created as a representative stage for power and religion.

Burgplatz was designed with the cathedral on one side, Dankwarderode Castle on the other, and between them the city’s first town hall and rows of townhouses were built. In the middle of the square, Henry the Lion had the famous Braunschweiger Löwe erected. The lion is a free-standing bronze statue from around 1166, which became a revolutionary work of art in Northern Europe and a strong symbol of the duke’s authority.

Architecturally, Burgplatz today appears as a harmonious whole, which has been created through many centuries of additions and changes. The cathedral shows the Romanesque style, while Dankwarderode Castle today appears in a neo-Romanesque reconstruction from the 19th century. Around the square are also medieval and later town houses, whose gables and decorations give a sense of the bourgeois wealth that Braunschweig enjoyed during the Hanseatic period.

Today, Burgplatz is used as a cultural gathering place and is one of Braunschweig’s most visited places. In the summer, concerts, markets and festivals are held on the square, while every year in December it forms the setting for an atmospheric Christmas market. At the same time, Burgplatz is one of the city’s most photographed squares, as it frames Braunschweig’s most important architectural landmarks in one panorama. The historical atmosphere combined with the lively use makes Burgplatz a place where past and present meet in a whole, conveying Henry the Lion’s vision from the 12th century.

Dankwarderode Castle
Burg Dankwarderode

Burg Dankwarderode was built around 1175–1188 on the orders of Duke Henry the Lion and was the architectural and political center of his power in Braunschweig. The Romanesque castle was originally designed as a palace with representative halls, a chapel and residences, which were to serve the ducal family and serve as a setting for ceremonies, banquets and legal proceedings. Its location on Burgplatz directly opposite the cathedral was symbolic, as the castle represented secular power, while the church showed spiritual power.

After the Middle Ages, Dankwarderode gradually lost its importance as a residence. It was changed, rebuilt and used for various purposes several times, which left its mark on the appearance of the building. In the 19th century, the castle fell into disrepair, but in 1887–1906 it was thoroughly reconstructed by the architect Ludwig Winter in a neo-Romanesque style. The result was a mix of original and historicizing architecture, reflecting the 19th century ideals of recreating medieval monuments as national symbols. The reconstruction was not only a rescue of the ruin, but also an interpretation of how Henry the Lion’s residence was imagined.

Today, Burg Dankwarderode functions as part of the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum and houses one of the most important collections of medieval art in Germany. Among other things, sculptures, altarpieces, reliquaries and weapons are exhibited here, which testify to the rich cultural history of the city and the region. And although the building’s current appearance is marked by the reconstruction, it still gives a vivid impression of the monumental role Dankwarderode played in Braunschweig’s development as a residential city.

Braunschweig Cathedral
Braunschweiger Dom

Braunschweiger Dom, also called St. Blasii Dom, is one of the most striking Romanesque cathedrals in northern Germany. It was founded by Duke Henry the Lion in 1173. He wanted a burial church that could match his political ambitions, and therefore the church was dedicated to John the Baptist and St. Blasius. The duke and his wife, Matilda of England and daughter of the English king Henry II, were buried in the church’s choir, where their sarcophagus still stands as a central monument. The cathedral quickly became a religious center and was associated with a collegiate chapter, emphasizing its importance in the duchy.

The building was originally built in the Romanesque style with thick walls, round-arched windows and a clear, harmonious proportion. In the later Gothic period, parts of the church were rebuilt, and vaults and window sections were added, giving the interior a higher and more light-filled character. Among the most important works of art in the church is the large bronze cross altar from around 1188, which is a unique example of medieval metalwork. There are also wall decorations in the form of imitation marble, which create a unique play of colors in the otherwise massive space. The cathedral’s bell towers were also changed over time and today give the church a characteristic profile in the city skyline.

Braunschweiger Dom was partially destroyed during the bombings of World War II, but extensive restorations in the 1950s and 1960s brought the building back to its current form. Today, the cathedral functions both as a parish church for Evangelical Lutheran congregations and as an important cultural venue, where concerts, exhibitions and ceremonies take place. The church is also a national memorial, linked to the history of Henry the Lion and to the city’s identity.

Old Town Square
Altstadtmarkt

Altstadtmarkt is one of Braunschweig’s oldest and most atmospheric squares, which for centuries has been a central hub for trade and city life. The square was laid out in the Middle Ages, probably during the 12th century, as the city grew as a trading center under Duke Henry the Lion. It was located outside the original castle area and quickly developed into the citizens’ own marketplace in contrast to the Burgplatz, which was dominated by the power of the duke and the church. Here, craftsmen, merchants and farmers could trade in grain, wine, textiles and other goods.

Architecturally, the Altstadtmarkt is surrounded by a number of significant buildings, which together reflect Braunschweig’s development from the Middle Ages to the early modern period. The most striking are the Gothic Altstadtrathaus, which is located on one side of the square, and the Gewandhaus, a Renaissance building from 1590, where the textile trade had its center. Magnificent townhouses with characteristic gables also rose around the square. In the middle of the square stands the Marienbrunnen, a fountain figure built in 1408, which served both as a well and as a decorative symbol of the city’s prosperity.

The square was badly damaged during the bombings of 1944, when many of the historic facades were lost. In the post-war period, the square was rebuilt with respect for the historical character, which means that several of the houses today appear as reconstructions. Despite this, the Altstadtmarkt has retained its historic atmosphere and continues to function as an important meeting point. It hosts markets, cultural events and the traditional Christmas market, which attracts many visitors.

Old Town City Hall
Altstadtrathaus

The Altstadtrathaus on the Altstadtmarkt is one of Braunschweig’s most striking buildings and a masterpiece of North German Gothic architecture. Construction began in the late 13th century and continued until the 15th century, which is reflected in the building’s composite style. It served as the city’s political center, where the council held meetings and where court cases and official ceremonies took place.

The building impresses with its elongated Gothic gable facade facing the Altstadtmarkt. The facade is decorated with pointed arched windows, statues of saints and rulers, and decorative details that emphasize the city’s prosperity and religious identity. Inside, the town hall housed the council chamber, courtrooms, and representative rooms where contracts were concluded and guests from other Hanseatic cities were received. A special detail is the carved figures that symbolically guarded the building’s functions.

Having survived several reconstructions and war damage, the Altstadtrathaus today functions as a cultural center and exhibition space. It is used for representative purposes, art exhibitions and the city’s official events, which means that the building still plays an active role in Braunschweig’s urban life. It combines historical architecture with modern use and is one of the places where the city’s medieval self-awareness can be experienced most clearly.

Gewandhaus

The Gewandhaus at the Altstadtmarkt is one of Braunschweig’s most important historical trading houses and bears witness to the city’s importance during the Hanseatic period. The building was built in 1590 as a cloth hall, where merchants could store and trade textiles such as woolen cloth, which was one of the most valuable trade goods in medieval and Renaissance Europe. The name Gewandhaus comes from the German word for cloth, Gewand, and it comes from the building’s original function. That Braunschweig was able to erect such an impressive building for this purpose shows the city’s prosperity and its status as a central trading city at the time.

Architecturally, the Gewandhaus is a fine example of a North German Renaissance building. The façade is symmetrical and richly decorated with sandstone ornaments, archways and classical proportions, which differ from the Gothic buildings on the Altstadtmarkt. It is characterized by a monumental staircase gable and decorative details that mark the prestige of the building. Inside, the house housed large warehouses where cloth was stored, weighed and sold, but also representative rooms used for meetings and trade transactions.

Cabbage Market
Kohlmarkt

Kohlmarkt is one of Braunschweig’s oldest squares and can be traced back to the 12th century, when it served as a vegetable market. Cabbage was the main item sold, which is why the square got its name. In the Middle Ages, the square quickly became one of the most important meeting points for the city’s citizens, as it was located at the crossroads of several trade routes. The square was also a place where many political and social events took place.

Architecturally, Kohlmarkt has always been characterized by townhouses, several of which had covered arcades with trading stalls on the ground floor and residences above. In the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the square was further adorned with decorative facades and gabled houses that showed the status of the wealthy merchants. Although a large part of the buildings were lost during the bombings in 1944, many were later rebuilt in a form that sought to preserve the square’s historical character. In the middle of the square stands a fountain figure from the 19th century.

Today, Kohlmarkt is one of the liveliest areas in Braunschweig. The square is surrounded by cafés, restaurants and shops, creating a relaxed atmosphere where both locals and tourists hang out. In the summer months, the square is particularly popular as a cozy outdoor urban space, while in the winter it is part of the city’s large Christmas market.

Magni Quarter
Magniviertel

Magniviertel is one of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods in Braunschweig. It has retained a medieval atmosphere despite the extensive destruction of the city during World War II. The neighborhood originated around St. Magnikirche in the 12th century and quickly developed into a densely built-up area for craftsmen, small traders and citizens. It is known for its narrow streets, cobblestone pavement and many half-timbered houses, some of which date from the 15th and 16th centuries.

The half-timbered houses in Magniviertel are one of the neighborhood’s greatest architectural features. They are characterized by narrow facades, carved beams, colorful decorations and often inscriptions that testify to the social status or religious beliefs of the owners. Many of the houses were destroyed in 1944, but a number were restored or rebuilt in the post-war period with great respect for the original style.

Today, Magniviertel is a lively neighborhood filled with cafes, restaurants, galleries and small shops. It is particularly popular with artists and young people, making the area one of the city’s cultural hotspots. The annual Magnifest is a large city festival that attracts both locals and tourists. For visitors, Magniviertel is a must if you want to experience Braunschweig from a more intimate angle than the more grandiose center around the city squares.

Rizzi House
Rizzi-Haus

The Rizzi-Haus is one of the most striking modern buildings in Braunschweig and a radical break with the city’s historical architecture. The building was created in the early 2000s by the American pop artist James Rizzi in collaboration with the architect Konrad Kloster. It is part of the new Magniviertel, and it quickly became a landmark for modern art and urban development in Braunschweig.

Architecturally, the Rizzi-Haus is characterized by a playful and colorful aesthetic that draws clear references to the idiom of pop art. The facade is covered with crooked windows, organic shapes and cheerful, cartoonish figures, all painted in bright colors such as blue, pink, yellow and green. The house appears almost like a three-dimensional cartoon and exudes a style that stands in sharp contrast to Braunschweig’s medieval half-timbered and monumental buildings.

Today, the Rizzi-Haus is used as an office building, but it primarily functions as an architectural landmark and a tourist attraction. It is one of the most photographed places in Braunschweig and symbolizes the city’s ability to unite tradition and renewal.

Braunschweig Palace
Braunschweiger Schloss

Braunschweig Schloss is one of the city’s most striking buildings and a symbol of its status as a residential city. The original palace was built in the 1830s as the residence of the Dukes of Braunschweig. The architect Carl Theodor Ottmer designed the palace in a monumental classicist style, inspired by ancient temples and contemporary magnificent buildings in Berlin. The impressive facade was adorned with a wide colonnade, a monumental staircase and sculptural decoration, emphasizing the power and prestige of the duchy.

However, the palace was heavily damaged during World War II and remained in ruins for the years that followed. In the 1960s, the city government decided to remove the remains of the castle, which caused great debate at the time. Many citizens saw the ruin as an important historical monument, while others believed that the city should look forward. This meant that one of Braunschweig’s most important classicist monuments disappeared for decades.

In the early 2000s, an initiative was taken to reconstruct the palace’s facade, and in 2007 it was reopened as a combination of historical monument and modern urban space. The newly built building now houses Schloss Arkaden, a large shopping mall, and cultural institutions such as a library. The facade facing the city center is a faithful reconstruction of Ottmer’s magnificent classicist building, while the back of the building is modern.

Behind the walls of the rebuilt palace and shopping complex, you can visit the Schlossmuseum Braunschweig. The museum’s permanent exhibition not only conveys the eventful history of the city and its inhabitants. You can also take a look at the glamorous life that took place at the Braunschweig court. For example, you can see the Throne Room/Thronsaal, the Audience Room/Audienzzimmer and the Music Room/Musikzimmer, which are furnished with original furniture, paintings and art objects.