Altes Stadthaus, Dortmund, Renaissance Revival administrative building in Friedensplatz, Dortmund, Germany.
The Altes Stadthaus is an administrative building in Renaissance Revival style on Friedensplatz with red sandstone facades and large round arched windows on the ground floor. This five-story structure displays the typical architectural features of this style period and dominates the surrounding square through its scale and material choice.
Friedrich Kullrich designed this administrative structure in 1899 as an expression of municipal pride during the founding period. Following significant damage in World War II, it was reconstructed and has since served as a testament to the city's ability to recover.
Eight coats of arms from major Hanseatic cities such as Bremen, Hamburg, and Cologne adorn the front facade, reflecting Dortmund's historical connections to these trading partners. Visitors can observe these details while looking at the facade and understand the city's role in the Hanseatic network.
The building sits centrally on Friedensplatz and is easily reached on foot from the train station and city center. The interior is accessible during business hours, but visitors should check in advance whether specific areas are open to the public.
An inscription on the western side between two windows reads 'So fast as düörpm,' which means 'as solid as Dortmund' in the local dialect. This local saying shows the pride residents had in their city and its strength.
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