Tempelhof

Beneath the vast expanse of Tempelhofer Feld, whispers of history echo. Tempelhof, a name intertwined with knights, aviators, and ordinary Berliners, unfolds its story before us. Tempelhof’s tale begins in 1247. A document from Walkenried Abbey identifies it as a “Komturhof” of the Knights Templar. These warrior-monks, expelled from Jerusalem, found a new home on the Teltow plateau. They welcomed fifteen families of landless farmers, offering them fertile land and protection within Tempelhof’s fortified heart. Imagine the scene: a small village encircled by water, its church built from glacial boulders, a haven amidst the vast landscape. The Templars’ reign ended in 1312 when their order was dissolved. The Knights of Saint John inherited Tempelhof, later selling it to the city of Berlin in 1435. Centuries passed, and Tempelhof transformed from a quiet village into a destination for Berliners seeking a countryside escape. Parts of Tempelhof became incorporated into Berlin in 1861, eventually becoming part of the Kreuzberg borough in 1920. The heart of the old settlement, once a stronghold, is now a chain of parks. Bosepark, Kleiner Park, Alter Park, and Franckepark. These green spaces still retain remnants of the moats that once protected Tempelhof. One, the Krummer Pfuhl, even served as public swimming baths before becoming a deer park. The original church, sadly destroyed during World War II, has been rebuilt. Its modern ashlar stone construction and timber-frame tower stand as a testament to Tempelhof’s resilience. But Tempelhof’s story doesn’t end there. In 1923, it entered the age of aviation with the construction of Tempelhof Airport. This bustling hub witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the Cold War’s chill, and the reunification of a divided city. Today, the airport’s runways are silent. The massive hangars stand empty. Yet, Tempelhofer Feld has been reborn as a vast park. A space where Berliners gather, fly kites, cycle, and simply enjoy the open sky. Tempelhof. From a Templar commandery to a bustling airport and now a vibrant park, its history continues to unfold. A place where the echoes of the past intertwine with the laughter of the present.