Description: The Royal Herrenhausen Gardens comprise Grosser Garten, Berggarten, Georgengarten and Welfengarten. Within this unique ensemble of parks and gardens, each is a splendid example of the garden arts of its age.
From the top of Hannover Town Hall tower the Great Fountain is clearly visible, an 80-metre column of water showing the way to a fine Baroque garden whose history goes back to the year 1666: the Grosser Garten.
Criss-crossing its 50 hectares, geometrically precise allées and paths lead to many charming features, such as Germany's oldest hedge theatre, built at the end of the 17th century at the command of the Elector Ernst August and his consort Sophie and still in use every summer during the festival weeks. Admirers of Baroque floral displays are recommended to stroll around the Great Parterre with its ornamental box hedges and flowerbeds. In front of the Gallery, its ballroom graced with ornate frescoes, the Orangery Parterre invites the visitor to meander among the orange trees set out for the summer; those looking for more active amusement should enter the maze. Special thematic gardens show the development of the garden arts through the centuries.
After a stroll along the apparently endless hedged paths and lime tree allées, the 'Schloßküche' café-restaurant is waiting to offer the visitor refreshment, set in the old kitchen garden of the palace, the 'Feigengarten', with a view of the Grotto, currently being refurbished with ornamentation to designs by the artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
A technical monument nearby is the lock and 'Wasserkunst' pumping station on the River Leine, both built in the 18th century. The pumps formerly supplied water under pressure for the fountains and water features in the Baroque garden. |
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