Old City Hall of Halle (Salle) was a major public building, whose history spanned centuries. The core of the building was erected around 1350, and many subsequent additions have transformed a building into a wild mix of Late Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, while still maintaining the coherent and rather harmonious look. In 19th Century, the building was supplemented in its civic role by the neighboring New City Hall, but it still retained much of its function as a city hall till its partial destruction in the Second World War by the American bombing (rather accidental) of March 31, 1945, a mere month before the end of hostilities.
Even though it was significantly damaged, the building could be saved, like many other significant buildings of region were. Nevertheless, despite public outcry and optimism of a local City council, the higher authorities and Architectural commission have enforced the demolition of the building. And so in 1948, the Old City Hall along with the neighboring Weigh house (1571) were destroyed. Currently, the plots still lay empty. Despite the very cold attitude of the city administration, local historical association is pursuing the reconstruction of the lost building, and they accept donations.
Strydwolf says
Old City Hall of Halle (Salle) was a major public building, whose history spanned centuries. The core of the building was erected around 1350, and many subsequent additions have transformed a building into a wild mix of Late Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, while still maintaining the coherent and rather harmonious look. In 19th Century, the building was supplemented in its civic role by the neighboring New City Hall, but it still retained much of its function as a city hall till its partial destruction in the Second World War by the American bombing (rather accidental) of March 31, 1945, a mere month before the end of hostilities.
Even though it was significantly damaged, the building could be saved, like many other significant buildings of region were. Nevertheless, despite public outcry and optimism of a local City council, the higher authorities and Architectural commission have enforced the demolition of the building. And so in 1948, the Old City Hall along with the neighboring Weigh house (1571) were destroyed. Currently, the plots still lay empty. Despite the very cold attitude of the city administration, local historical association is pursuing the reconstruction of the lost building, and they accept donations.