Hanover is an ancient but not beautiful city, boasting a wealth of 14th century buildings that hark back to its illustrious past. For despite Hanover's miserable position as the brunt of many Germans' jokes, it is a particularly green and open city with a faux-medieval old quarter and acres of Baroque-style gardens to while away a few hours in serenity.

Visitors to Hanover should begin in the Old Town where the finest examples of medieval housing and street layout can be found, surrounded by a selection of interesting small shops, pubs and restaurants.

Kramerstrasse and Burgstrasse form the heart of the Old Town where most of Hanover's remaining medieval heritage can be found. But a collection of buildings hewn out of traditional red brick, a characteristic style of northern Germany, include the 15th century Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), the Kreuzkirche (Church of the Holy Cross) and the Marktkirche (Market Church), both dating from the 14th century. However, while Hanover enjoys a unique medieval heritage, as a city it does not boast the same grandeur and opulence as either Berlin or Munich.

Nevertheless, Hanover more than compensates for this with the passion and energy of its street artists. The rather staid urban landscape of the new parts of the city are transformed by brightly coloured statues known as Nanas, in a tradition with which the city has become synonymous. But as entertaining as Hanover can be, its greatest attraction is its location, ideal for exploring the surrounding area.

By hiring a car visitors have the freedom to make their own itinerary with trips to the unspoiled countryside of the Burgdorfer Land, filled with half-timbered houses, woods and marshlands, the Pied Piper's city of Hamelin, beautifullly restored to its medieval grandeur, or the magnificent forests of Deister. Visitors may also want to visit the Steinhuder Meer, the biggest stretch of inland water with impressive sailing, sailboarding and bathing facilities. The Festival of Lights also takes place here in August.

Hanover is a greatly underrated city, viewed by most who have not been there as a rather dreary industrial town. However, Hanover's perfect location, combined with the friendliness of its people, its cultural dynamism and architectural diversity make it a truly exciting city that should be seen at least once.

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