“Is this where they used to heal people?” a child asks, tugging at their parent’s coat. Today, we stand before the Wohnanlage ehem. Gertraudenhospital. It is a beautiful apartment complex. But it was once a place of healing and care.
The story of the Gertraudenhospital begins much earlier than this building. The St. Gertraudt-Stiftung was founded around 1400 in Berlin-Mitte. It was originally a haven for noble ladies. Over time, it opened its doors to sick and needy citizens.
By the late 19th century, Berlin was growing rapidly. The original Gertraudenhospital was in the way of new development. So, in 1872, the hospital moved here to Kreuzberg. This new building was designed by architect Friedrich Koch.
Koch created a magnificent complex. Construction took place in two phases. The main building was completed between 1871 and 1873. Two additional wings were added from 1883 to 1884. The Gertraudenhospital featured yellow brick facades. Figure friezes and ornate details adorned the building. These architectural elements still captivate us today.
Inside, the Gertraudenhospital provided accommodation for elderly women. Each woman had her own room with cooking facilities. They also received a monthly allowance and free medical care. The complex included administrative offices and communal spaces. A chapel was also built.
The chapel held a special treasure. It housed a baroque pulpit altar. Friedrich Wilhelm I donated it to the original Gertraudenkirche in 1739. Today, that altar can be found in the village church of Lübars.
In the front garden, a trumpet tree still stands. Landscape architects planted it long ago. Its wide branches now reach towards the earth. The trumpet tree is a protected natural monument.
The Gertraudenhospital suffered only minor damage during the World Wars. In 1945, Krankenhaus Am Urban took over the hospital. It was renamed Krankenhaus Am Kreuzberg. By 1971, it became a facility for chronic care. The Gertraudenhospital lost its original name.
By the early 2000s, the hospital was no longer in use. In 2002, it was sold to an real estate company. The building was transformed into apartments.
Today, the Wohnanlage ehem. Gertraudenhospital is a residential complex. It reminds us of its past. It offered care to those in need. The building stands as a testament to Berlin’s history. It is a protected monument. The front garden is also a designated garden monument. So the next time you pass by, remember the women who once called this place home and the care that was given within these walls.