Hannover – The city of pedestrians
June 6, 2011
Hannover is the capital of the German State of Lower Saxony. The city has over half a million inhabitants.
Hannover was founded in the early Middle Ages on the left bank of the river Leine as a small village at the crossroads of two trade routes, whose inhabitants live from fishing and transporting passengers across the River. It is first mentioned in 1241 in a document which recognizes the city’s privileges. In 14th century the city was protected by walls, and it could go through three gates, which are called Leintor, Aegidientor and Steintor. In the same century it was built three city churches Aegidienkirche, Marktkirche and Kreuzkirche (Church of the Holy Cross).
The city was much damaged in bombing during the Second World War, when he destroyed and burnt two thirds of buildings, and vast majority of people remained homeless.
The largest factory is the Volkswagen, which has a plant for the production of commercial vehicles in Hanover Stöckenu, where it is employed the most people. Another large factory is Continental AG, founded in 1871, which is now in deep crisis. A large German tour operator TUI AG has its headquarters in Hanover. Hanover is the seat of many insurance companies, which is the largest Hannover Re.
