
Cincinnati City Hall, Cincinnati
Cincinnati City Hall, completed in 1893, is the historic seat of the city's municipal government and a striking example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. Designed by prominent local architect Samuel Hannaford, the building showcases the architectural influence of H. H. Richardson, particularly notable after the demolition of Richardson's Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce building in 1911. Today, City Hall remains the best-preserved example of this architectural style in the city.
Located on the site of Cincinnati’s original city hall (built in 1852 and demolished in 1888), the current structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 11, 1972. It rises four and a half stories and is topped by a commanding nine-story clock tower. The use of forced perspective—gradually decreasing the size of windows as the building ascends—creates the optical illusion that the structure is even taller than it truly is.
Constructed by the David Hummel Company of Cincinnati, the building incorporates materials from across the United States and beyond. Stones were sourced from Wisconsin, Ohio, Missouri, and Indiana; granite columns came from Vermont; marble staircases and wainscoting were brought in from Italy and Tennessee. Inside, stained glass windows illustrate scenes from Cincinnati's early history and depict the city's Roman namesake, Cincinnatus.
Today, Cincinnati City Hall stands not only as a functioning center of city government but also as a lasting monument to the city’s 19th-century architectural ambitions and Hannaford’s legacy in shaping the built environment of Cincinnati.
Located on the site of Cincinnati’s original city hall (built in 1852 and demolished in 1888), the current structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 11, 1972. It rises four and a half stories and is topped by a commanding nine-story clock tower. The use of forced perspective—gradually decreasing the size of windows as the building ascends—creates the optical illusion that the structure is even taller than it truly is.
Constructed by the David Hummel Company of Cincinnati, the building incorporates materials from across the United States and beyond. Stones were sourced from Wisconsin, Ohio, Missouri, and Indiana; granite columns came from Vermont; marble staircases and wainscoting were brought in from Italy and Tennessee. Inside, stained glass windows illustrate scenes from Cincinnati's early history and depict the city's Roman namesake, Cincinnatus.
Today, Cincinnati City Hall stands not only as a functioning center of city government but also as a lasting monument to the city’s 19th-century architectural ambitions and Hannaford’s legacy in shaping the built environment of Cincinnati.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cincinnati. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Cincinnati City Hall on Map
Sight Name: Cincinnati City Hall
Sight Location: Cincinnati, USA (See walking tours in Cincinnati)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Cincinnati, USA (See walking tours in Cincinnati)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Cincinnati, Ohio
Create Your Own Walk in Cincinnati
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cincinnati is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Eden Park Walking Tour
Eden Park is undoubtedly the most popular park in Cincinnati, Ohio. This large outdoor area blends culture, history, and architecture in one stunning location. The park spans across lush greenery and scenic spots, making it a beloved retreat for locals and tourists alike. Apart from offering a tranquil escape amidst the urban bustle, Eden Park is also home to a number of famous city landmarks.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Cincinnati's Historical Buildings
A place where remarkable landmarks, river views and rolling hills are all part of the cityscape, Cincinnati, OH is a home to one of the most impressive collections of historic architecture in the United States. German homes, French cathedrals and splendid 19th-century mansions are found here in abundance. The list of architectural styles present in the city is truly impressive and includes Greek-,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Over-the-Rhine District Walking Tour
The historic Over-The-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood is one of the largest districts in the U.S. recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Its name comes from the predominantly German immigrants who developed the area in the mid-19th century and had to commute across bridges over the Miami and Erie Canal (nicknamed "the Rhine" in reference to the river in Germany) which separated... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Cincinnati Introduction Walking Tour
Welcome to Cincinnati, Ohio—a place that blends historical richness with the vibrancy of cultural attractions!
The land that became Cincinnati had previously been occupied by Fort Washington. Before that, it was home to the Shawnee and other Native American tribes like the Miami, Ojibwe, and Lenape.
Founded in 1788, the city earned its name from the Society of the Cincinnati, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
The land that became Cincinnati had previously been occupied by Fort Washington. Before that, it was home to the Shawnee and other Native American tribes like the Miami, Ojibwe, and Lenape.
Founded in 1788, the city earned its name from the Society of the Cincinnati, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles