Marktkirche, Hanover

The Marktkirche (Market Church) in Hanover is the city’s main historic parish church, built in the Gothic brick style in the 14th century. It is a central religious and civic landmark in Hanover’s old town.

Inside and out the church displays North German brick Gothic architecture; the tower, which reaches about 97 meters, is a prominent visual marker over the Marktplatz. The interior contains a high hall nave and traditional choir area typical of late medieval parish churches.

Construction began in the 14th century and the building served as Hanover’s market and parish church through the medieval and early modern periods. The structure suffered heavy damage during World War II air raids and was subsequently repaired and restored in the postwar decades.

The church stands directly on the Marktplatz in central Hanover, close to the city hall and other old-town buildings, within walking distance of Hanover Hauptbahnhof.

• Central landmark: The church is the principal medieval parish church in central Hanover and gives its name to the surrounding market square where regular markets are held.

What to See #

• Main tower: The tower rises to about 97 meters and forms a dominant feature of Hanover's skyline; it historically served as a civic landmark visible from the market square.
• Nave and choir: The nave and choir are built in red brick Gothic style typical of North German medieval churches, with a single-aisle hall layout and pointed-arch fenestration.
• Location on the market square: The church stands on the Marktplatz in Hanover's old town and faces the historic market square used for civic events and weekly markets.