Once upon a time, cows roamed here. Now, let’s step into the world of Stemmerhof. This former farm in Munich’s Sendling district is now a vibrant village square. It blends history with modern life.
Stemmerhof’s story began in 1381. Otto von Pienzenau gifted it to Munich’s Heiliggeistspital. For almost 500 years, the hospital owned the farm. It was passed down within the same family.
In 1638, disaster struck. The Thirty Years’ War ravaged Stemmerhof. It was recorded as a burnt site. Veith Hochmayr rebuilt it in 1666. The farm had a wooden house, stables, a barn, and a shed. All surrounded a courtyard.
Misfortune continued. Crop failures, plagues, and fires plagued the family. In 1799, Johann Obermayer’s widow sold the farm to Georg Stemmer.
By 1827, the farm was vast. It included fields, meadows, rented land, and woodland. Georg Stemmer died in 1833. His widow passed it to their eldest son, also named Georg.
In 1864, Georg Stemmer paid off the Heiliggeistspital. He gained full ownership after a fire devalued the property. The rebuilt farm dates back to 1862. This is the protected landmark we see today at Stemmerhof.
During the 19th century, Sendling was incorporated. The Stemmer family grew wealthy. They sold farmland for building plots. They donated land and money to build the New Parish Church of St. Margaret.
The 1980s brought controversy. Plans arose to develop the Stemmerwiese. This was the last large green space near Stemmerhof. A citizen initiative failed to preserve it entirely. The city built housing on part of it. This event inspired Bernhard Setzwein’s novel “Wurzelwerk”.
In 1992, the farm ceased operations. Strict regulations protected Stemmerhof from major changes. Today, Stemmerhof hosts diverse shops and businesses. Ecology is a focus. You’ll also find artist studios and a café here.
The restored west barn now houses various establishments. These include the MUTABOR therapeutic center and the Austrian Restaurant Ö1. Also here are the Monaco Sessions concert agency, Stemmerhof Studios, and the Hoftheater.
Stemmerhof feels like a village oasis. It offers peace amid the city’s bustle. The remaining Stemmerwiese evokes the area’s rural past.
Stemmerhof sits on the Sendlinger Berg. This is the western edge of the Isar River valley. It is located on Plinganserstraße. It stands directly opposite the Old Parish Church of St. Margaret.
Today, Stemmerhof covers 5,000 square meters. It features 2,809 square meters of commercial space. Over 24 businesses operate here employing over 110 people. Stemmerhof welcomes 600 to 1,000 visitors daily. Most come from the surrounding area.
Stemmerhof stands as a testament. It is a testament to Munich’s blend of tradition and progress. From its humble beginnings as a farm to its current role as a community hub, Stemmerhof embodies the spirit of Sendling. Its rich history and vibrant atmosphere make it a unique destination.