Perhaps, Buckow’s name whispers tales of beech trees. Buckow is a locality within Berlin’s Neukölln borough. It is more than just a place on a map. It is a tapestry woven with centuries of history.
Founded in 1373, Buckow’s story began with German settlers. They likely settled where a Wends village once stood. The village was named Buk which means Beech tree. The suffix -ow was added.
Until 1920, Buckow was a municipality in the Teltow district. It then merged into Berlin. This happened with the Greater Berlin Act. From 1961 to 1989, the Berlin Wall crossed Buckow’s borders. Buckow found itself on the edge of West Berlin. East Germany lay just beyond.
Buckow is divided into two zones. They are separated by Gropiusstadt. Buckow 1 is the larger western part. Buckow 2 is the smaller northeastern part.
The Dorfkirche Buckow is a testament to Buckow’s enduring spirit. Constructed around the late 13th century, its walls have witnessed countless seasons. The Dorfkirche Buckow has been rebuilt and renovated many times. Glimpses of medieval paintings still grace its Kreuzrippengewölbe. Look closely. A faint Abendmahlsszene, or Last Supper, appears in the front part of the church.
Listen for the sound of the undated bell. The bell dates back to the 13th or 14th century. Its unique shape marks it as possibly Berlin’s oldest village church bell. Time has slightly altered its tone. It now serves only as an Abendmahlsglocke. It rings during communion.
Take a stroll along Alt-Buckow. Several houses built in the 19th century stand under historical preservation.
The Hans-Martin-Helbich-Siedlung in Buckow 1, was built in 1974. It provided over 1000 apartments to the community. The Hans-Martin-Helbich-Siedlung offered more than just housing. It provided a recreational space. It also had an Einkaufszentrum.
Buckow may not boast grand palaces or imposing monuments. Yet its charm lies in its understated beauty. It lies in its ability to blend seamlessly. It blends the past with the present. Buckow invites us to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. It invites us to find beauty in the everyday.