Hannover's Historical Churches Walking Tour (Self Guided), Hanover

The Gothic-style Aegidien Church was built in 1347. It sits on the location of a 12th-century Romanesque church. Hanover's 16th century Reformation began in Aegidiean Church. In the early 1700s, a Baroque facade was added to the church's steeple. In 1826, Georg Ludwig Friedrich Laves remodeled the church's interior.

In 1943, the church was destroyed by World War II bombs. The church was left in ruins with only its outer walls intact. The church was not rebuilt after the war, rather it today functions as a war memorial. In 1959, Kurt Lehmann designed and installed a monumental sculpture called Humility.

The outer walls feature many Baroque epitaphs, including one dedicated to Susanna Magdalena Oldekop, who died as a child in 1648.

A relief known as the Siebenmannenstein shows seven praying men who allegedly sacrificed themselves to save the town. The men are known as "Hannover's Spartans," who died during an attack on Dohren Tower in 1480. The Siebenmannenstein relief is a copy. The original can be seen in the Hannover Historical Museum.

The contemplative Schattenlinie artwork features a white stone line that capture's the church's shadow. This artwork is a symbol of life and death, and of light and shadows.

Hiroshima, Japan, is Hanover's sister city. Hiroshima donated a peace bell to Hanover, and it is now located in the Aegidien Church's tower. It is rung every year on Hiroshima Day which is August 6th.

Market Church was initially built in the 14th century. It was built in the North German brick gothic style and is Germany's southernmost example of this unique architectural style.

The church's tall western tower symbolized Hannover's wealth and power. The tower is one of Hannover's most recognizable landmarks. The tower has 11 bells. The Bell of Christ and Peace is Lower Saxony's largest bell and reserved for special occasions.

The church's interior features a carved wooden altar that dates to the late 15th century. The altar's front depicts the Passion of Christ. The altar's back shows scenes from the lives of Saint George and Saint James, the church's patron saints.

The church's roof and naves were damaged by World War II bombs in 1943 and were rebuilt in 1952.

The church's organ was built in 1954 and has 64 stops.

A giant pentagram on the church's western tower is one of its most dramatic elements. In addition, a hexagram surrounds the tower's clock. These symbols were used by ancient pagans and then adopted by early Christians. The pentagram was used to symbolize the epiphany.

Why You Should Visit:
Very impressive church with an imposing presence; easy to find and prettily placed in a lively space in town.
The interior is clean, the design is simple yet fascinating, and the organ is really beautiful.

Tip:
Try to be there when the organ plays – it's fantastic.

The Holy Cross Church (Kreuzkirche), dating from 1284, is Hannover’s oldest parish church and is used for church services along with concerts and major events. Most of the construction that you see today is from around 1333 when it was extended according to an original Gothic design. It is well known for its decorative altar, which was painted by Lucas Cranach in 1537. In 1560, a large theological library was created in the basement of the church and increased space was made behind the vestry for the choir. There is an ornate Renaissance period pulpit that was added to the church in 1594.

A chapel in Baroque style was added to the church grounds in the 17th century and on the east side of the building, there is a stone emblem of the city of Hannover. One of the premier features of the church exterior is its large spire, reportedly damaged during a violent storm in 1630. In 1652, the spire was totally restored in Baroque style with funds provided by Johann Duve. Like much of the Old City, the Holy Cross Church sustained damage during bombing in World War II and was repaired between 1951-1961. The Holy Cross Church is one of the city’s most important churches and represents design elements of every major period – from medieval times to the 20th century.

Why You Should Visit:
Of course, not a Catholic church, or it would be decorated with gold from floor to ceiling, but still worth seeing if only to ascertain that a church is not meant for the accumulation of wealth.
Beautiful surroundings with great neighboring cafés, too!

The New Town Church, also known as Saint John's Church, is a significant Lutheran church in Hanover. Constructed between 1666 and 1670, this Baroque structure is notable for being one of the earliest Protestant single-naved churches in Lower Saxony, designed primarily for delivering sermons, a key element in Lutheran worship. Notably, the church is the final resting place of the renowned mathematician and philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, as well as the military leader Carl August von Alten.

Architecturally, the church exemplifies an early Baroque style, drawing inspiration from classical antiquity. Its layout includes a long, spacious main hall ending in a slightly narrower chancel to the east, and features a large organ balcony at the western end and additional smaller balconies along its sides. Much of its rich interior decor, unfortunately, was lost during World War II.

The church is also celebrated for its musical contributions, particularly through the Saint John's chorale, which performs both in services and concerts. It's been a host for various significant events, including the Expo 2000 and the German Evangelical Church Assembly. In a unique collaboration with the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, a special organ was installed in 1998-2001. This organ, situated on the north balcony, is designed based on Spanish Baroque principles, making it ideal for early Baroque music, yet it doesn't replicate any specific historical instrument.

Saint Clement's Basilica (Propsteikirche Basilika Saint Clemens) holds a significant place in the history and religious landscape of Hanover. As the mother church of the Catholic diocese to which Hannover belongs, it stands as a testament to religious perseverance and architectural beauty.

Dedicated to Saint Clement of Rome, the construction of Saint Clement's Basilica began in 1712 and was completed in 1718. This marked a pivotal moment in the religious history of Hanover, as it was the first Roman Catholic church built in the city since the Reformation, an era that saw the Kingdom of Hanover adopt Protestantism.

However, the basilica's history is also marked by tragedy. During World War II, in 1943, the church was almost completely destroyed by the Allied bombings. These bombings targeted Hanover and other major German cities in a strategic effort to weaken the Nazi regime. The destruction of such a historic and religious site was a significant loss for the community.

Reconstruction efforts for the basilica began in 1946, in the aftermath of the war. The community's dedication to restoring this landmark was evident, and the newly completed church was rededicated on November 24, 1957. In a further acknowledgment of its importance, Pope John Paul II designated it as a Minor Basilica on March 12, 1998.

Architecturally, Saint Clement's Basilica is a standout structure in Hanover. Built in the Venetian Baroque style, it is unique in its design and is often referred to as the "Saint Peter of the North" due to its striking appearance and religious significance. This unusual shape and style make it easily distinguishable from other buildings in the city.