Rathaus Markgröningen, Timber-framed town hall in Markgröningen, Germany.
The Rathaus Markgröningen is a timber-framed town hall that dominates the town center with its five-story structure. The building features a complex system of oak wooden posts inside that support the entire construction, while decorative elements like an astronomical clock and sundial adorn its exterior.
Construction of this administrative building started in 1441 when local Württemberg citizens funded its creation on a prominent site. The new structure replaced an earlier building that had stood in the same location.
Today the town hall serves as the administrative heart of the community where residents conduct their official business. The building and its surrounding square remain central to how locals experience their town center.
The building still functions as the town administration office and can be viewed from the outside, with interior spaces available for official visits. Its central location makes it easy to reach on foot and explore alongside other historic sites in the old town.
Tree-ring analysis proved that all 54 oak posts supporting the building were felled during the winter of 1440/41. This scientific investigation revealed that the entire structure rests on wood harvested over 580 years ago.
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