Gera's market square forms a self-contained ensemble with the town pharmacy and its sculpturally designed Renaissance-style corner (1606), the Simson Fountain, which was created by Christof Junghans in 1685/86, and the beautiful town houses. The Renaissance town hall, built from 1573-76, with its 57 m high tower and attractive Renaissance portal, dominates the market square. Since 1988, the hand-played tower carillon with its 37 bells has been ringing in the tower lantern of the town hall.