Altes Rathaus, Regensburg

The Altes Rathaus is a town hall in Regensburg featuring Gothic elements and several interconnected structures that developed over different periods. The complex includes a defensive tower, a grand hall building, and residential sections that together frame a large courtyard.

The building grew from a combination of merchant houses that merged over the 13th and 14th centuries and were later transformed into an administrative center. It gained greatest importance after 1663 when it became a meeting place for political delegates.

The name reflects its centuries-long role as the seat of city power and commerce, and visitors can still see the paintings and furnishings that speak to Regensburg's medieval importance. The rooms themselves show how merchants and officials once conducted business and made decisions here.

Visitors can find information and guidance on the ground floor, where staff speak multiple languages. The courtyard is open to the public and offers a quiet pause, while the interior rooms can be viewed during visiting hours.

The basement contains old torture chambers that show how medieval interrogations were conducted and what methods were once used. These rooms are now protected as historical artifacts and offer an unsettling glimpse into past judicial practices.