Bremen’s Old Town and Historical Buildings

Most of Bremen’s tourist attractions are in the old town, on the east bank of the Weser River. The area is easy to pick out on a map as it is surrounded by a green belt, established when the town’s fortifications were demolished. The Uberseemuseum (ethnography museum) is close to the old town, and trams run to Schwachhausen, where the Focke-Museum is based.

Marktplatz (Town Hall)

On the main square of Medieval Bremen stand the town hall and the cathedral, and, on the west side, several gabled houses. This lovely view is slightly marred by the unattractive 1960s Haus der Burgerschaft, the state parliament building. In front of the town hall stands a 10-m (32-ft) statue of Roland, dating from 1404. It is the largest of many similar statues in German towns, and the prototype for others. A nephew of Charlemagne, Roland symbolizes a town’s independence. His gaze is directed toward the cathedral, the residence of the bishop, who frequently sought to restrict Bremen’s autonomy. Roland’s sword of justice symbolizes the judiciary’s independence, and the engraved motto confirms the emperor’s edict, conferring town rights onto Bremen.
The second, more recent (1953) monument in the square is dedicated to the Bremen Town Musicians – a donkey, dog, cat and cockerel, who according to the Grimm fairy tale trekked to Bremen.

Rathaus (Historical Building)

The original Gothic building dating from the years 1405–10 was clad with a magnificent Renaissance facade, one of the finest examples of Weser Renaissance architecture in northern Germany, designed by Luder von Bentheim. He masterfully incorporated the Gothic figures of Charlemagne and seven Electors, as well as four prophets and four wise men. In the 40-m (131-ft) Grobe Halle (great hall) new laws were passed, as symbolized by the fresco (1932) of Solomon’s court.
Among its many other treasures is the meticulously crafted Renaissance spiral staircase. On the western side of the town hall is the entrance to the “Ratskeller” where you can sample 600 different wines, and delight in the murals from 1927, by the Impressionist Max Slevogt.

Schütting

On the southwestern side of Marktplatz stands this mansion used by the Merchants’ Guild for their conventions. It was built in 1537–9 by the Antwerp architect Johann der Buschener in Dutch Mannerist style. The eastern gable, more classically Renaissance in style, is the work of the local builder Carsten Husmann.

Böttcherstraße Paula-Modersohn-Becker-Museum and Roseliushaus

This once insignificant lane where coopers lived was transformed into Art Deco style in 1926–30 by Ludwig Roselius, a wealthy coffee merchant. The National Socialists preserved the street as an example of degenerate art. At the entrance to the street is a bas-relief by Bernhard Hoetger from 1920, of the Archangel Michael fighting a dragon.
The Paula-Modersohn-Becker-Museum, built in the Expressionist style, contains an art museum, while in the neighbouring 16th-century Roseliushaus the original period interiors can be admired. The street’s other attraction is a carillon which chimes tuneful melodies every day at noon, 3pm and 6pm.

Schnoorviertel Spielzeugmuseum im Schnoor

The Schnoorviertel is a historic district of small houses dating from the 15th–18th centuries. One of Bremen’s poorest areas before World War II, it miraculously escaped destruction. It has been restored gradually since 1958 and now teems with restaurants, cafe, souvenir shops and tourists. In the centre of the district is the Gothic Johanniskirche, which once belonged to the Franciscans. In accordance with the order’s rules it has no tower, although this is compensated for by a decorative gable on the western facade, and three levels of arched alcoves and herringbone brickwork. The Spielzeugmuseum (toy museum) nearby is also worth visiting.