Germany's largest enclosed market square, measuring 219 by 216 metres. The scale feels almost absurd at first — a small German town with a square bigger than many city centres — but the Renaissance arcades on the east and south sides give it a human edge. Cafes and small shops occupy the ground floor of the arcade; above them, the buildings are solid and functional postwar construction. The 50 fountains dotted around the square were added to mark the town's 400th anniversary in 1999. Walk the full perimeter to get a feel for it, then sit down for coffee.
Marktplatz
Germany's largest market square with Renaissance arcades and 50 fountains
A story
The square was designed in 1599 as part of Duke Frederick I's planned town, intended eventually to house a ducal palace on the north side. The palace was never built. The square remained open and slightly formless for centuries — until French artillery in April 1945 levelled the surrounding buildings, and the postwar reconstruction finally gave the arcades that now frame it on two sides.