Hannover Maps

Hannover (also spelled Hanover) is the capital of Lower Saxony, Germany, with approximately 522,000 inhabitants, making it Germany's thirteenth-largest city. Located on the Leine River, it historically served as the residence of the Hanoverian kings who also ruled Great Britain from 1714 to 1837. The city is a major center for trade fairs, hosting some of the world's largest industrial exhibitions.

The Herrenhausen Gardens comprise one of Europe's most significant baroque garden ensembles, particularly the Great Garden (Großer Garten) with its geometric patterns, fountains, and sculptures. The reconstructed Herrenhausen Palace, completed in 2013, houses a museum about the gardens and Hanoverian history. The New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus), built between 1901 and 1913, features an impressive dome with an elevator that ascends at an angle to an observation platform.

The Marktkirche, a 14th-century Gothic church, dominates the old town along with the Old Town Hall. The Sprengel Museum houses one of Germany's most important 20th-century art collections, featuring works by Nolde, Picasso, and Chagall. The Maschsee, an artificial lake created in the 1930s, offers recreational opportunities in the city center.

Hannover hosts the CeBIT (formerly the world's largest computer expo) and the Hannover Messe, the world's largest industrial trade fair. These exhibitions established Hannover's reputation as a global trade fair hub. Leibniz University Hannover and Hannover Medical School contribute to research and education. The city's economy emphasizes trade fairs, insurance, automotive suppliers, and engineering.

Hannover was heavily bombed during World War II, resulting in extensive destruction of the old town. Reconstruction created a modern city center with pedestrian zones. The city maintains strong cultural institutions including opera houses, theaters, and museums. The annual Schützenfest is the world's largest marksmen's festival, attracting millions of visitors.