Market Church

The Market Church stands in Hanover’s old town beside the market square. Built in the 14th century, it replaced a smaller church from 1125 dedicated to Saint George. The present building combines brick Gothic style with a tall saddleback roof that dominates the skyline. Its western tower once showed the wealth of Hanover’s citizens and remains one of the tallest in Lower Saxony. The church is officially named after Saints George and James, reflecting its dual dedication. The church’s main altar was carved in linden wood around 1480 and shows the Passion of Christ in 21 scenes. Parts of the altar were moved in the 17th century to make way for a Baroque design, later saved from wartime destruction. The present organ was rebuilt in 2009 using half the original pipes and casing. Eleven bells hang in the tower, including the Christus-und Friedensglocke, the largest bell in Lower Saxony. Visitors enter a hall church with a high nave and two aisles beneath the restored vaults. The altar’s back panels depict the lives of Saints George and James. The organ sits at the back of the southern aisle, its casing protected as a monument. The tower houses the great bells, rung only on special occasions. The church and nearby Old Town Hall form a southern example of northern German brick Gothic architecture.