Photo: View of Nollendorfplatz in Berlin, circa 1900
There are some neighbourhoods in Berlin that don’t really have any of the extremely characteristic features that make up for the unique charm of say, the posh Mitte or the bohemian Kreuzberg. Of course we don’t get discouraged by the initial impression and already proved to you that Schöneberg indeed is worth exploring. It’s majestic architecture that fortunately preserved some of its beauty till today was even more impressive one hundred years ago. And we’ve got pictures!
Now officialy part of the Tempelhof-Schöneberg borough, this locality really is so much more than a huge field to chill at. Personally I find it special even because of all the references in the biographies of various artists. Blixa Bargeld, Marlene Dietrich and Helmut Newton were born here. Iggy Pop and David Bowie lived here together in what must have been the coolest WG ever.
A very dreamy spot where you can just sit on a bench and ponder upon all those fascinating biographies that have been influenced by our beloved city is Schöneberg’s Viktoria-Luise-Platz. This peaceful green area is just around the busy KaDeWe and Wittenbergplatz, and there’s a huge likelihood you’ve never wandered there. The square’s architecture is still pretty much the same as what’s depicted below – although it is now surrounded by long rows of houses with fancy flats and some nice restaurants as well.
Photo: The Viktoria Luise Square in Berlin-Schöneberg, 1900
Photo: Rathaus Schöneberg, circa 1895
Photo: underground station Stadtpark (now Rathaus Schöneberg), circa 1910
We’ve also found some amazing pictures of the U4 stations. Both Bulowstrasse and Nollendorfplatz still retain their past grace, but will probably never gain back their 20th century magic.
But just so the story doesn’t end so bitterly, let’s think of how Nollendorfplatz is a little capital for all things LGBTQ friendly. I guess that’s what Berlin already got us used to – even when some buildings get destroyed and the landscape is altered, no one could possibly deprive us of our spirit.
Photo: Nollendorfplatz in Berlin-Schöneberg 1905/06
Photo: Bülowstraße 18, 1897
Photo: Hochbahnhof Bülowstraße, Berlin
Photo: Dennewitzstraße, 1905