Bremen

Bremen's marketplace preserves two monuments closely associated with civic autonomy: the Town Hall and the statue of Roland. The Old Town Hall was built in the early fifteenth century and acquired its elaborate Weser Renaissance appearance during renovations in the early seventeenth century. Its halls accommodated commerce, ceremonies and theatrical performance. The adjoining New Town Hall was constructed between 1909 and 1913 to a design by Gabriel von Seidl. Roland, erected in 1404, symbolises the city's rights and privileges. The ensemble survived the Second World War, although much of the surrounding historic city was badly damaged, and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage property.