Quitzowhaus

Has anyone ever noticed the quiet dignity of the Quitzowhaus? Here on the corner of Bäckerstraße and Schusterstraße, it stands as a proud testament to Brandenburg’s rich history. The Quitzowhaus isn’t just another old building. It’s a time capsule, built between 1577 and 1578, directly atop a much older, two-roomed cellar. It whispers stories of the Renaissance, a time of artistic flourishing and architectural innovation. Quitzowhaus is unique in Brandenburg. It’s the only surviving timber-framed building from the Renaissance era adorned with the decorative woodwork typical of Lower Saxony. Now, you might be wondering about the name. It hints at the Quitzow family, a noble clan with deep roots in Brandenburg’s past. Interestingly, there’s no documented proof connecting them to the building. Take a closer look at the Schusterstraße facade. There you see the Quitzowhaus’s original timber framing, untouched by time and plaster. Notice the colorful, carved rosettes, the corbelled beams, and the St. Andrew’s crosses. These details, along with the ornate wooden cornices between the floors, are signatures of its Renaissance heritage. On this side, you’ll also find a gateway leading to the courtyard, tucked within a short side wing. Contrast this with the Bäckerstraße facade. It underwent a transformation in the early 19th century. Later, like many timber-framed buildings in Brandenburg, it was plastered over around the turn of the 20th century. Sadly, a beautiful stone Renaissance portal was lost during this remodeling. The Quitzowhaus stands as a two-story structure, its roofline parallel to Bäckerstraße and its gable end facing Schusterstraße. Despite the changes, its presence on this corner continues to speak volumes about Brandenburg’s resilience and its layered history. The Quitzowhaus isn’t frozen in time. It has adapted to the changing needs of the city, housing shops and businesses throughout the years. This building has seen life unfold on this corner, a silent observer of Brandenburg’s journey through time.