Imagine stepping back in time, almost 1300 years. We are standing near the Burgwallgraben. This is a place of immense historical importance. The Burgwallgraben whispers tales of a bygone era. It speaks of Slavic settlements and a strategic stronghold.
This area was once home to a Slavic Burgwall. It was an important fortified settlement. First traces of settlement date back to the 8th century. At that time Slavs settled on a small island in the Havel. It was about two kilometers south of today’s Spandau old town. The settlement was fortified early on.
High-quality finds were discovered here. A lavishly fortified part of the settlement was also found. These discoveries suggest a Heveller prince resided here. Soon the settlement spread to the nearby bank. A wooden bridge led to the island. The Slavs engaged in pasture and hay farming in the fields. These fields surrounded the Bullengraben. The Bullengraben flows into the Burgwallgraben.
Over the centuries the settlement faced destruction multiple times. It burned down for various reasons. But each time it was rebuilt. All structures were made of wood. The settlement was abandoned in the 12th century. The population relocated to the newly founded Spandau nearby.
Archaeologists excavated a cemetery. It belonged to the settlement. The Burgwallgraben surrounded the island to the west. During the construction of the Berlin-Hamburg railway in the mid-19th century the northern part was backfilled. The island became connected to the mainland. Today the street Spandauer Burgwall reminds us of the former Slavic settlement center. It is located on the remaining and partially built-up peninsula.
During excavations in 1982 a timbered hall church from around 980 was found. The casting mold of the Spandau Cross was also discovered. Later archaeologists also found a golden Thebal ring.
So, as you stand here by the Burgwallgraben remember its rich history. Remember the Slavic people. Remember their resilience. This place is a testament to the layers of Berlin’s past. It connects us to a time long gone.