House Witten

Across the Ruhr River, a silent sentinel stands. House Witten has witnessed centuries of Dortmund’s history. It whispers tales of knights and industrialists, of resilience and transformation. House Witten isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to the enduring spirit of this city. The original structure, possibly dating back to the Thirty Years’ War, is shrouded in mystery. However, the current House Witten took shape in 1880. This elegant manor house underwent a significant transformation between 1913 and 1915. Erich Schulte-Witten commissioned architects Gröpler, Feldmann, and Müller to reshape it. They blended Neo-Baroque and Neoclassical styles, creating the grand edifice you see before you. The Schulte-Witten family’s history is intertwined with Dorstfeld, dating back to 1394. They held vast lands in the area, which they sold to mining companies during industrialization. This fueled the region’s growth, including the nearby Zeche Dorstfeld mine. Today, House Witten serves the community. Leased to the city of Dortmund, it houses a public library. Its elegant rooms provide a unique setting for weddings. It also served as the home of the Society for Christian-Jewish Cooperation in Dortmund for many years. Listen closely. You might hear the faint melodies of the carillon. Installed in the clock tower in 1989, it plays daily. Originally intended to commemorate Dorstfeld’s mining heritage with the Steigerlied, its repertoire has expanded. Now it plays “Wenn alle Brünnlein fließen” and the Westminster chimes. Twelve bells chime the hours, a gentle reminder of the passage of time. House Witten is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a repository of stories, a symbol of Dorstfeld’s transformation, a beacon of community spirit in the heart of Dortmund.