Hanoverian dukes and kings once resided in the majestic setting of the Leineschloss, whose name denotes its place as a castle on the Leine River. Rebuilt in the early 1800s by architect Georg Ludwig Friedrich Laves after destruction of an earlier building, the structure stands out for its imposing pediment and columns.
Arrive at the site in the center of Hannover and take photos of the iconic façade. Sit on a bench opposite the entrance and watch people go by in this busy central hub. Spot the emblem of the Lower Saxony region above you on the baroque building.
Bordering the sides of the castle are the Hannah-Arendt-Platz and the Platz der Göttinger Sieben. Inspect the sculptures that make up the Göttingen Seven Monument, which pays tribute to a group of liberal professors during the time of the Kingdom of Hannover.
Enjoy a meal at a nearby restaurant and relax at a table on the outdoor terrace, overlooking the Leine River. See the castle at night, when lights illuminate its exterior and its reflection shimmers on the surface of the water.
The site was destroyed by aerial bombings in World War II, before being rebuilt in the late 1950s and early 1960s by architect Dieter Oesterlen. Hear about how bones were discovered in the castle in 2016. They were believed to have belonged to a Swedish count and soldier, a lover of the wife of George I of Great Britain. Later information clarified that the bones came from a mix of animal and human skeletons, notably not the Swedish count’s.
The Leineschloss is on the eastern bank of the Leine River, in the heart of Hannover. Ride the U-Bahn underground system to the Hannover Markthalle/Landtag station and walk west across Hannah-Arendt-Platz to reach the castle.
While in this part of the city, make sure to visit surrounding sights such as the Hannover Historic Museum, Kreuzkirche and The Escape Room.
