Bielefeld’s Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) is a splendid building, an administrative headquarters and the seat of the city’s Lord Mayor. Set at the eastern edge of the historic center, the Old Town Hall replaced an earlier legislative office situated on the Old Market Square. Dedicate some time to studying the Old Town Hall’s range of architectural styles and artistic features.
The city architect Ernst Ritscher designed the building, choosing a fusion of traditional Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance features. There are also aspects of Weser Renaissance, which is a style that originated in the region surrounding the River Weser in central Germany. Only the tower has been changed from the original structure it was destroyed by bomb raids during World War II.
Decorating the façade are numerous stone-carved representations of the city. Most notable is the Bielefeld coat of arms, which depicts a gateway and turreted towers. It is an adaptation of the coat of arms used by the Counts of Ravensberg. Additional features include a gabled roof, Greek-inspired columns and a loggia porch.
The superbly preserved interior boasts decorative pillars, grand staircases and vaulted ceilings. In the lobby, examine the fascinating scale model of the Old Town as it was in 1650. Town Hall Square separates Altes Rathaus from the modern New Town Hall built in the 1970s. Sandro Chia’s stone sculpture Passione per l’arte stands in the center of the square.
It’s easy to walk to this attraction from the heart of the Old Town. The closest streetcar stop is Rathaus. Bielefeld’s train station is about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) to the north. If arriving by car then park in the underground parking lot accessible from the north side of the New Town Hall. The Nicolai Church and Theater Bielefeld are among popular attractions close by.
You can appreciate the wonderful Old Town Hall for free. Access to the interior may be limited when an official event is taking place. Go to the nearby tourist information center for details about visiting hours.
