The  first mention of the Altes Rathaus dates back to 1298, when a rebellion sprung up against the prince bishop in Passau. The  actual building of the Altes Rathaus, or Old Town Hall dates from the 15th century, when in 1405, it was created by combining eight patrician houses into a building in the Venetian style.  The Small Hall and the Large Hall, or Baroque Festival Hall are both accessible by a Gothic-styled staircase that dates from 1446, the same year frescoes were painted on the building by Ruprecht Fueterer and Rueland Freauf the Elder. These were replaced in 1922 with modern murals, by Joseph Hengee, depicting the emperor Ludwig of Bavaria. On the south side of the town hall stands the Kuenberburg Palace, built by Bartholmäus in 1680-1682. In the 17th century, the Altes Rathaus was rebuilt after a devastating fire, the interior plan designed by Carlo Lurago and Giuseppe Battista Carlone, two  Italian architects who also designed the 17th century Baroque-styled St. Stephan’s Cathedral. The  large mural in the entrance of the Large Hall depicts the wedding of Emperor Leopold I in 1676, created by Ferdinand Wagner between 1887 and 1893.  The most recognizable feature of Old Town Hall, the 38 meter/124 foot high Neo-Gothic tower, was added between 1889 and 1892 by Heinrich Baron von Schmidt. In 1938 the ridge turret was demolished because of its state of decay. In 1991, an automatic chime containing 23 bells was installed. These bells can also be played as an instrument.  Today, the Large Hall is the perfect environment for large-scaled meetings. The The Small Hall is used by the Register Office for weddings and also serves as a Town Councillor room for special sessions. Henry and I enjoyed dining in the Rathaus restaurant where traditional German cuisine is served.

PHOTOS: Top Two: 1. The Neo-Gothic tower of the Altes Rathaus added by Heinrich Baron von Schmidt between 1889 and 1892. 2. View of the Altes Rathaus as seen from the fortified castle, Veste Oberhaus on the mountain crest opposite the Danube.  Middle Three:. 1.2.3 Coats of Arms of three Passau families, some dating from the Middle Ages. These graphic images decorate the walls of the restaurant inside the Altes Rathaus. Bottom Three: Façade of the Altes Rathaus with its murals depicting the emperor Ludwig of Bavaria, painted by Joseph Hengee in 1922.

JOURDAN ARPELLE-ZIEGLER                                   BACK TO MAP  PAGE