The symbol of Göttingen – the fountain with geese and Goose Girl Lisa (Gänseliesel), traditionally kissed by the new doctorate holders, is on Market Square. Although getting into the fountain waters is prohibited, both students, and tourists regularly put flowers in her basket. The square’s dominant is the building of the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), built in 1270 in the Gothic style. The mansion has served as the headquarters of the Trade Guild, a dance hall, a warehouse, a prison, an archive building, and, in fact, the city administration office. In 1978, the administration moved to a new building at Hiroshima Square (Hiroshimaplatz). Now, the Town Hall houses the tourist information center.
The main hall of the Town Hall is decorated with wood panels and frescoes by Hermann Schaper. The coats of arms of the member-cities of the Hanseatic League painted on the walls remind about Göttingen’s membership in the League. In the western part of the Town Hall is the City Council Conference Room with the heating system through the floor holes, preserved since the Middle Ages. Marriages are registered and exhibitions are held in this hall.
rehouse, a prison, an archive building, and, in fact, the city administration office. In 1978, the administration moved to a new building at Hiroshima Square (Hiroshimaplatz). Now, the Town Hall houses the tourist information center.