“What does Katzenberg mean?” you may wonder. Once known as Katzberg or Cat Hill this area had few settlements until the mid-19th century. However, people had already dug vaulted cellars into the cliffs by the 16th century. These cellars stored beer brewed in Chemnitz. Over time a complex network of cellar entrances formed. You can still view some of these entrances on guided tours today.
Industrialization came to Katzenberg. Its higher elevation became an advantage. Air pollution was less intense here than in other parts of the city. Primarily developed between 1870 and 1930 the area spans about two square kilometers. The street system is gridded planned according to the topography. Streets run parallel or at right angles to the hill’s slopes.
Companies established businesses near Katzenberg. These included Sächsische Maschinenfabrik and Maschinenfabrik Germania. Others were Union and C. G. Haubold. Tresorfabrik Baum Presto-Werke and Textilfabrik der Brüder Goeritz also operated here. Even the city administration built facilities here. These included the Royal Administrative and State Court and the Royal Tax Office. The Imperial Postal Directorate was also located here. So were the Royal Prison the Royal Preparatory School and the Secondary School.
The Chemnitz Synagogue stood on Stephan Square. Architect Wenzel Bürger designed it. It was built between 1897 and 1899. Sadly the Synagogue was set on fire during Kristallnacht. It was destroyed in 1939 under Nazi rule. The Central Theater of Chemnitz opened in 1902 on Zwickauer Straße. It was a popular music hall stage. It was destroyed in 1945.
Katzenberg gained protection as a heritage area in February 1991. This includes about 480 architectural works. Most are multi-storied residential buildings. There are also municipal administrative buildings and school buildings. These represent Historicism Art Nouveau and New Objectivity styles.
Several bus lines serve Katzenberg. These are lines 31 32 62 72 and 82. Night service bus N17 also runs here. Tram line 1 connects Katzenberg to the city’s south.
Many famous people lived in Katzenberg for some time. These include Adolf Ferdinand Weinhold and Herbert Eugen Esche. Fred Otto and Helmut Flieg also resided here. Rudolf Leder and Lothar-Günther Buchheim called this place home. Marianne Brandt Martha Schrag and Hanna Klose-Greger also lived here.
Katzenberg offers a glimpse into Chemnitz’s past. Its unique history and architecture make it a fascinating place to explore. From its beer cellars to its grand buildings Katzenberg holds many stories. Take a walk around and discover them for yourself.