Welfenschloss

The Welfenschloss (Welf Palace) in Hanover's Nordstadt district is an impressive Neo-Gothic complex built around four wings, constructed between 1857 and 1866 as the summer residence of the Hanoverian kings. Designed by Christian Heinrich Tramm, the building stands out for its enclosed courtyards, round-arched windows, and castle-like towers. The façade facing Herrenhäuser Allee is articulated by pilasters and oriels, while the rear side facing the Welfengarten is accentuated by a semicircular central projection. The ensemble is crowned by a series of significant statues of rulers, including Henry the Lion, which recall the Welf tradition. Since 1879, the palace has housed the University of Hanover, after standing empty for more than ten years following the Prussian annexation of the kingdom. Today, visitors experience a historic ensemble that forms a harmonious whole with the adjoining Welfengarten. Also worth noting is the bronze statue of the Saxon Steed in front of the palace, which is part of the coat of arms of Lower Saxony. Despite wartime damage that led to the destruction of the chapel and several tower caps, the Welfenschloss still shapes the city's skyline today and serves as a central place of academic life.