The "painters' corner," with its picturesque houses and the leaning tower of the St.-Georgs-Kirche (St. George's Church), is one of Hattingen's most beautiful sights. The staircase between the closely standing half-timbered houses leads to the churchyard, the centre of the old town.

The church square, with St. George's Church and its narrow entrances, remains in its medieval ground plan and is probably one of the most beautiful in North-Rhine/Westphalia. The lovingly restored half-timbered houses and old grave stones are worthy of admiration.

The old city hall from 1596 on the Untermarkt (lower market) is likewise one of the most well known motifs of the old town. It contains the city gallery, in which exhibits are displayed and cultural events (cabarets, chamber concerts, readings, lectures) take place (see event calendar).

At the Zollhaus (tollhouse), Hattingen's smallest house, you can walk a way along the Grabenstraße. The moats previously formed a ring along the city wall and remain partially intact.

The Bügeleisenhaus (Flat Iron House, built in 1611) borrows its name from its unique form and is certainly a very singular half-timbered house. Today it contains the local heritage society museum and is also worth a look inside.

The year 2003 brought Hattingen a new city gate. The artist Voré from Ettlingen fashioned a new entrance, embellished with steel figures, to the Steinhagen square and old town.

"The watchman," a striking counterpoint to the ambience of the old town. Jan Koblasa's large statue watches over the area of the previous Heggertor (Hegger gate). Guardian stones were not uncommon at the city entrances during the Middle Ages.