Rathaus

Description:

• In 1805 and 1809, Napoleon visited the Rathaus, built by Elias Holl in 1620. Regrettably, the building was also visited by an air raid in 1944, leaving it a mere shell of what had once been a palatial eight-story monument to the glory of the Renaissance. Its celebrated "golden chamber" was left in shambles. But now, after a costly restoration, the public can again visit the Rathaus on walking tours that offer a view of the golden chamber (celebrated for its imposing portals, gold-leaf coffered ceilings, and huge wall frescoes), as well as other rooms.

• © Frommer's 2012