Hanover

Hanover (German: Hannover) is the capital and largest city of the German state of Lower Saxony. With a population of over 535,000, it is the 13th-largest city in Germany and an important center for trade, education, and culture. First mentioned in documents in 1100, Hanover was chartered in 1241 and joined the prestigious Hanseatic League. The city has a rich royal history - from 1714, George Louis of the House of Welf became George I of Great Britain, creating a personal union between Hanover and Britain that lasted until 1837. During World War II, about three-fifths of Hanover was destroyed, but the city was rebuilt as a planned, modern metropolis. Today, Hanover is renowned for hosting some of the world's largest trade fairs and exhibitions, including CeBIT and the Hannover Messe. The city is famous for the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, one of the most important Baroque gardens in Europe, and the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) with its unique dome elevator. Hanover also hosts the world's second-largest Oktoberfest after Munich and the massive Schützenfest, the largest marksmen's festival in the world.