Beneath the statue of a bear, stories of Berlin’s past bubble to the surface at the Wappenbrunnen. This coat-of-arms fountain stands proudly on Nikolaikirchplatz. It is a symbolic heart of the Nikolaiviertel. This area marks Berlin’s original founding.
The Wappenbrunnen, or coat-of-arms fountain, isn’t ancient. It was created in 1987. The design, however, goes back to 1928. Consider it a modern tribute to Berlin’s history. The Wappenbrunnen sits in front of the Nikolaikirche. This is Berlin’s oldest church.
Look closely at the Wappenbrunnen. Each side features a relief. Each relief displays a coat-of-arms. In the center, a column rises. A bear statue sits atop the column. The bear is the symbol of Berlin. Therefore, the Wappenbrunnen honors the city’s creation. It is also known as the Gründungsbrunnen. This translates to foundation fountain.
In 1237, the first settlements, Berlin and Cölln, were documented. The Margraves of Brandenburg secured the Spree River crossing at Mühlendamm. By the late 13th century, Berlin-Cölln surpassed Köpenick and Spandau. In 1280, the first Brandenburg Parliament was established here. The Wappenbrunnen stands as a reminder of this early power.
The Nikolaiviertel suffered devastation in the war. It became part of East Berlin after the Berlin Wall was built in 1961. Reconstruction began in 1979 for the city’s 750th anniversary.
The GDR authorities attempted to recreate this historic quarter. Most buildings weren’t on their original sites. Many used prefabricated concrete slabs. It was often called “Honecker’s Disneyland”. Despite this, the Nikolaiviertel attracts tourists. Cafés and restaurants offer inviting spaces along the Spree.
The Nikolaikirche gave the quarter its name. It likely appeared shortly after Berlin gained town privileges. The Nikolaikirche has undergone much reconstruction over the centuries. It was destroyed in 1945 and rebuilt in 1987.
Today, the Nikolaikirche is part of the Stadtmuseum. An exhibition tells the city’s story. Only the stone floors date back to the 13th century.
Near the Wappenbrunnen, notice a memorial set in the pavement. It’s a copy of the city’s original seal. The Wappenbrunnen and the seal together mark Berlin’s birth.
Another historical structure in the Nikolaiviertel is the Gerichtslaube. This is a replica of Berlin’s medieval courthouse. The original Gerichtslaube was built in 1270. It was demolished in 1871 during the construction of the Rotes Rathaus. The replica was erected about 150 meters from its original location. Today, it houses a restaurant serving Brandenburg fare.
Not far from here, a section of the ancient city wall stands on Littenstraße. It dates back to the 13th century. Nearby, see the ruins of the Franziskaner-Klosterkirche. This Franciscan monastery church dates back to 1250. Allied bombing devastated it in 1945.
The Wappenbrunnen offers a moment to reflect. Berlin has risen from settlements to a major capital. This fountain symbolizes resilience. It is a tribute to Berlin’s past.
Take a photo. Remember the story of Berlin. The Wappenbrunnen provides a connection to the city’s origins. It shows its journey through time.