Hanau is a historic city best known as the birthplace of the authors of the fairy tales, the Brothers Grimm. It is a nice Old Town with numerous half-timbered houses and numerous goldsmith workshops that continue the jewelery traditions known here since the 16th century.
Despite the devastation of the war, Hanau remains a picturesque city with a large part of the buildings restored. In the vicinity of the market square you can see many half-timbered houses. An important monument is the Old Town Hall, which now houses the German House of Goldsmiths. It presents exhibitions related to goldsmith traditions in Hanau.
Until the 19th century, in the place of today's Hanau, there were two centers: the Old Town and the New Town with separate market squares and defensive walls. Only after their merger, the city gained its present appearance. In the part called New Town, you can see a monument dedicated to the Brothers Grimm who were born here. It is set in the market square with many restaurants and cafés around it.
Important attractions of Hanau are the local palaces. The 18th-century, late-baroque Philippsruhe Palace now houses the Hanau History Museum. A little more out of the way is the Steinheim Castle Museum. A very picturesque place is the historic spa town of Wilhelmsbad, which is now part of Hanau. Numerous buildings from the 19th century have survived in the vast spa park, and the park itself is a great place for walks.
