Altes Rathaus, Medieval town hall in Celle, Germany

The Altes Rathaus is a listed building on the market square of Celle, its north part dating from the town's founding in 1292, with Gothic vaults in that section and in the Ratskeller. The north gable was built in 1579 in the Weser Renaissance style, carrying the coats of arms of Duke Wilhelm the Younger and Dorothea of Denmark above the market portal; a small portrait of master builder Jacob Rieß sits on the left entrance pillar. Around 1580 three townhouses were demolished for a timber-framed extension, rebuilt in masonry in 1785 and known locally as the Hochzeitshaus; a five-metre south extension followed in 1938.

Construction began in 1292, making it one of the oldest public buildings in Lower Saxony still in use today. Over the centuries it was expanded and modified, creating a structure that reflects multiple historical periods.

The Ratskeller received ducal permission on 8 June 1378 to serve wine and foreign beer, making it the oldest inn in Lower Saxony. Its wall frescoes were painted by Berlin artist Walter Miehe (1883–1972) during the 1938–1940 renovation, when it gained its present layout; the Bürgermeisterkeller, Schützenkeller and Ratsherrenkeller seat 180 in total.

The tourist information office now occupies the building, and several halls and rooms are used for receptions, meetings and weddings. The Ratskeller, which received its ducal licence to serve wine and foreign beer on 8 June 1378, has rooms including the Bürgermeisterkeller, Schützenkeller and Ratsherrenkeller with 180 seats in total. Look for the 1931 copy of the Celle ell (62.5 cm) at the east portal on the Markt and the two pillory columns dated 1786 at the south gable.

The Ratskeller received ducal permission on 8 June 1378 to serve wine and foreign beer, making it the oldest inn in Lower Saxony. Its wall frescoes were painted by Berlin artist Walter Miehe (1883–1972) during the 1938–1940 renovation, when the cellar got its present layout; the Bürgermeisterkeller, Schützenkeller and Ratsherrenkeller seat 180 in total.