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Architecture · Lindau, Baviera
Altes Rathaus
The old town hall of Lindau, built from 1422 in the Gothic style and remodelled in the Renaissance, with stepped gables, a covered staircase and a painted façade depicting scenes from the town’s history.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Altes Rathaus
The Altes Rathaus, the old town hall, began construction in 1422 as Lindau established itself as a Free Imperial City. In 1496 Emperor Maximilian I convened an imperial diet there, held in the wood‑panelled council chamber.
In 1576 the building received stepped gables in the Renaissance style. In the 19th century the south façade was covered with paintings showing scenes from the town’s history, restored in the 20th century based on the original design. On the pedestrian side a large covered staircase ends at a bay window.
The ground floor, which once housed the covered market, has been home to the old Free Imperial City library since 1952. The historic rooms are still used by the town council and for receptions, so they are usually closed to the public.
Visits are mainly from the outside, with time to study the paintings and façade details. Next door is the Neues Rathaus, the new town hall, built as an extension in the early 18th century.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
15 minutes to see the façades.
Best time
The painted façade faces south and receives sunshine for much of the day, which helps with photography.
How to get there
It is in the middle of Maximilianstraße, about 200 metres from Lindau-Insel station.
Tip
Walk around the building: the painted façade and the covered staircase are on different sides.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Altes Rathaus
Can you enter the Altes Rathaus?
The historic rooms are used by the City Council and are usually closed to the public. Visits are exterior only.
How old is the building?
Construction began in 1422 in Gothic style, and the Renaissance gables date from 1576.
What do the façade paintings show?
Scenes from Lindau's history, painted in the 19th century and later restored based on the original model.