The origins of Bremen, lying on the Weser River, date back to the 9th century when it became a bishop seat. The city was granted market rights in 965 by Emperor Otto I. Bremen joined the Hanseatic League in 1358.
The town hall was built in 1409 in the Gothic style. It was renovated in 1612 in the Renaissance style and it was further extended in 1913.
The Roland statue, erected in 1404 and representing a paladin of Emperor Charlemagne, is 5.5 meters high and is the symbol of the rights and privileges of the free city of Bremen.