The year is 1896. A new station opens at Savignyplatz. Its island platform a marvel under a gable roof. Cast iron columns support the elegant structure. This is Savignyplatz’s newest addition. Savignyplatz itself a relatively new square. It was laid out in the 1870s and 1880s. Named after the renowned jurist Friedrich Carl von Savigny. A fitting tribute to a man of such intellect. The square’s design reflects a Parisian influence. The Hobrecht Plan from 1862 inspired its layout. Think boulevards and grand squares like those in Hausmann’s Paris.
Savignyplatz soon became a hub of activity. People flocked to the new residential area. The S-Bahn station made it even more accessible. Savignyplatz grew. It wasn’t always as you see it today though. The square underwent several transformations. In 1926 and 1927 it gained charming features. Gazebos and flowerbeds graced its surface. A local garden designer Erwin Barth led the redesign. He transformed it into a vibrant green space.
War and neglect followed. Savignyplatz was changed but not destroyed. Then came 1987. Berlin celebrated its 750th anniversary. Savignyplatz got a facelift. The original kiosk returned. A popular currywurst stand now sits in its place. The small brick structure from 1926 was meticulously reconstructed. This was more than mere restoration. A contemporary art installation now graces its interior. Illuminated at night it adds a touch of modern flair to the historical piece.
Savignyplatz still holds onto its past. Look around. You can see traces of its former glories. Bronze sculptures of a boy with a goat stand guard. One original one a replica. This small detail hints at the war’s impact on Savignyplatz. Yet the square persevered. Savignyplatz survived wars and neglect. It endures as a vibrant meeting place. A beloved square in the heart of Charlottenburg. It’s a place where history and the modern happily coexist. Come. Enjoy the ambiance of Savignyplatz.