Marburg town hall, Gothic town hall in Marburg, Germany

Marburg Town Hall is a sandstone building on the market square, erected from 1512 to 1516 under master builder Klaus von Wetzlar, with interior work continuing until 1527. Its front was painted white with black corner stones, while the other three sides received a simple lime plaster. A stair tower porch crowned in 1581 by Ebert Baldewein with a decorated Renaissance gable holds an astronomical clock whose figures move on the hour.

The council met in the Marienkirche from 1222, then in the Kerner from 1335; after a fire in 1456 it moved to the former town school in 1458. The present hall was built in sandstone from 1512 to 1527 under the master builders Klaus von Wetzlar and his successor Hans aus Lich, financed largely by loans, after houses on the market square were demolished. Work paused in 1515 and from 1518 to 1522 over council disputes and money problems.

The town hall continues to serve as an administrative center and remains a focal point in the heart of Marburg where residents and visitors gather. It defines the appearance of the main square and holds meaning as a symbol of local identity.

The town hall sits directly on the market square and is easily reached on foot with good viewing points from the street. Visitors can observe the building from outside or learn more about its features through the local information center.

The clock added to the tower in 1528 was followed in 1581 by an ornate Kunstuhr on the staircase gable, designed by Ebert Baldewein. On the hour, Justitia moves her scales, Death turns the hourglass, a watchman blows his trumpet and a rooster flaps its wings on top.