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Center of Major European Events
Hanover is a synonym of trade fairs, receiving millions of visitors year after year. Worthy of mention is EXPO 2000, held in Summertime and treasuring nice remembrances by the city. The most important fairs are the Hanover Fair and the Computer Fair Cebit, that make the capital city of Low Saxony the largest world center of specialized fairs in the industry.
The fact that Hanover is located in the center of the country is what makes it irradiate all the history of the city from its origins. In the High Middle Ages, in the Leine plateau (the word Hanover stems from "Honovere", meaning “high bank") a small village settled. Next, there was a big bridge where two old important roads crossed.
Later on, in the Low Middle Ages, that small settlement became a trade center and after being granted city status, it was sold to the Guelphic princes. In 1241, the Guelphic duke Otto, the Child, conferred a special charter, which remains the oldest mention of the city. At that time, the German city was a lively center of craftsmen and merchants.
In 14th century, the city was fortified with walls and it could only be accessed through three doors: the Lein's Door, Saint Egidy's Door, and the Stone Door. The three gothic churches of the city were also built at that period of time: Saint Egidy's Church and the Market Church, which old building structure still remains, and the Church of the Cross. A century later, the city hall was built, next to the Market Church, which was the city downtown for centuries. . Nowadays it is known as the Old City Hall. |
