In the old town of Blankenburg stands the historic town hall, which takes up the entire south side of the market square. It was first mentioned in documents in 1442, but according to old chronicles it was already in existence in 1233. However, such an early building at this location cannot be proven. The oldest known traces date back to around 1400. However, Blankenburg had a town council by 1389 at the latest.
In addition to the town administration, the town hall also housed the court, a market hall and the town hall cellar. There was also a large hall for events of all kinds. The pillory and various other objects for carrying out punishments once stood on the market in front of the town hall. Various offenses were punished here in public using relatively simple, but no less effective methods. At that time, those convicted could not yet claim that a difficult childhood or a lack of cooperation from society would mitigate the sentence. The market square was also the town's most important trading place.
Over the centuries, Blankenburg Town Hall has undergone countless renovations and additions and today presents itself in a mixture of different styles. The building received its current appearance mainly in the 16th century. The year 1584 is clearly visible on the gable on the market side. This indicates the year in which the upper floor was completed. The individual construction phases can be easily understood using other dates distributed around the building. In the 18th century, various baroque style elements were also integrated into the facade as part of renovation work.
Attentive observers will certainly notice several walled-in cannonballs on the facade of the historic town hall. These are intended to remind us that Blankenburg was shot at with cannons during the Thirty Years' War and drawn into the fighting. You can also see the coats of arms of the Counts of Regenstein, the Duchy of Brunswick and the city itself on the stair tower.