In the middle of Wernigerode’s market square is one of the town’s most famous buildings – the town hall from the 13th century. Until 1528, it officially served the counts of Wernigerode as a court house and playhouse until the last count finally donated it to the town in 1427. The town used the building for court hearings as well as for events and festivities. In 1494, a half-timbered storey was added before the building was converted into the town hall in 1530. The current state of the house as a late Gothic half-timbered building with its impressive wooden figures depicting craftsmen, jesters and saints dates from this time.
