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Sights in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
From Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery to Berlin's trendiest alternative neighborhoods: Discover the most important sights in Berlin's Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district. more
Mariannenplatz in Berlin Kreuzberg is popular and invites you to linger with its park-like character and architectural highlights.
Mariannenplatz (Mariannen Square) in Berlin-Kreuzberg is popular with Berliners and visitors alike. A colorful mix of different people live around the large square, and the park-like character invites you to linger. To the north of Mariannenplatz is Bethaniendamm, which forms the border to Berlin-Mitte. This is where the Berlin Wall ran until reunification.
The square was planned and laid out in the 19th century and was given its current name in March 1849. Mariannenplatz was named after the daughter of the Dutch King William I, the Prussian Princess Marianne of Orange-Nassau. At the same time, the Bethanienhaus, which is still an impressive building on the square today, was built. It used to be a hospital, but today the Bethanienhaus offers a platform for national and international artists.
The building of St. Thomas Church at the northern end of Mariannenplatz is also impressive. The 19th-century church was the largest church in Berlin at the time of its construction, seating 3,000 people. With its dome and two towers almost 50 meters high, the sacred building has lost none of its imposing appearance to this day.
Another well-known property on Mariannenplatz is the Georg-von-Rauch-Haus. The house was occupied after a dispute with the police and has since been used for alternative forms of housing. Rio Reiser also sang about the house on Mariannenplatz in his Rauch-Haus song.
Mariannenplatz is a popular meeting and resting place for Berliners and tourists. The large sunbathing lawn is a great place to sit and the Feuerwehrbrunnen (Fire Department Fountain) offers a little refreshment on hot days. Street festivals such as the Myfest and other cultural events regularly take place on the square and in the streets around it.
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From Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery to Berlin's trendiest alternative neighborhoods: Discover the most important sights in Berlin's Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district. more
© dpa
Discover Kreuzberg: Important addresses, interesting facts and tips for future residents and visitors to this popular district of Berlin. more