A weekly market bustles. This is Arkonaplatz. It’s a vibrant heart beating in Berlin’s Mitte district.
Arkonaplatz a 1.5-hectare square is part of the historic Rosenthaler Vorstadt. Created in the mid-19th century it’s seen dramatic changes. It was named after Cape Arkona on the island of Rügen. This happened in 1875.
Initially designed as an ornamental square Arkonaplatz transformed. Albert Brodersen added a children’s playground in 1918. Later the magistrate added sculptures. Martin Müller created a pelican and a seal from shell limestone. W Schade added a penguin and an anglerfish. Georg Hengstenberg crafted bronze children’s figures for the paddling pool. The square became a home for poorer Berliners.
World War II devastated the area. Around 1000 of over 4000 dwellings were destroyed. Post-war reconstruction saw new apartment buildings rise. The GDR extensively restored Arkonaplatz in the 1970s. They modernized it and redesigned the area. They even closed a section of Swinemünder Strasse to traffic. This integrated it into the square. A weekly market started around 1985.
Arkonaplatz became a favored spot for young families. Children enjoy the spacious playground. Parents appreciate the surrounding restaurants. Unlike trendier areas like Helmholtzplatz or Kollwitzplatz Arkonaplatz remains quieter. It has retained much of its original character.
One of Berlin’s oldest school buildings stands on the west side. It’s the Grundschule am Arkonaplatz. A disused historical toilet building is on the east side. A legend says the idea for Hertha BSC was conceived here. The brothers Fritz and Max Lindner and Otto and Willi Lorenz supposedly came up with it on a bench. This was in 1892. They often played football there.
The Sunday flea market is famous. It draws visitors from beyond the Rosenthal suburb. The playground is well-loved. It’s used by locals and visitors alike. After the 1984 renovations Erich Honecker the GDR’s head of state visited. Store windows showcased pineapples a rare fruit in the GDR. These disappeared the next day. Arkonaplatz a place of history recreation and community spirit. It remains a unique piece of Berlin.