Explorer Hanovre

Hanover's main Lutheran church, built in the 14th century in the northern German brick Gothic style and officially named for Saints George and James. Its west tower, one of the tallest in Lower Saxony, overlooks the market square; the roof and vaults, destroyed in a 1943 air raid, were rebuilt by 1952.

Hanover's city hall, opened in 1913 after twelve years of construction in an eclectic, castle-like style typical of the Wilhelmine era. It stands within the 10-hectare Maschpark, and a diagonal arched lift carries visitors up through the dome to a viewing gallery over the city, seasonally from March to November.

A museum of modern art beside the Maschsee in Hanover, opened in 1979 and extended in 1992 to a design by Peter and Ursula Trint with Dieter Quast. Built around the collection Bernhard Sprengel donated to the city in 1969, it holds major 20th-century works, including pieces by Hanover-born Dada artist Kurt Schwitters.

An artificial lake south of Hanover's city centre, created between 1934 and 1936 by damming and pumping water into a basin in the Leine river valley. Covering 78 hectares, it is the city's largest body of water, ringed by a path used by walkers and joggers, and used for sailing and rowing.

A garden complex in the Herrenhausen district of Hanover, laid out from the 17th century for the prince-electors of Hanover. The Großer Garten is a well-preserved Baroque garden, with parterres, fountains and a maze; the adjoining Berggarten has grown from a kitchen garden into a botanical garden with greenhouses and orchid collections.

An aquarium beside Herrenhausen Gardens in Hanover, part of the SEA LIFE chain, housed under a curved glass roof. Themed zones lead through an underwater tunnel to green sea turtles, Cuban crocodiles, blacktip reef sharks, rays and jellyfish, with touch pools for younger visitors.