How about a stroll through a district that some mistake for its neighbor? Welcome to the Südostviertel in Essen. This area is sometimes confused with Huttrop. Yet, it possesses a distinct character and history.
The Südostviertel is one of Essen’s central districts. It sits near the main train station between the railway line and the A40. The Steeler Straße and Moltke Straße border it to the south.
Did you know some locals and businesses feel more connected to Huttrop? This is due to the dense residential area blurring the lines between the two. The boundaries with Ostviertel and Südviertel are clearer. They follow the railway tracks. Even the Autobahn A40 exit is named Essen-Huttrop. However, in 2013, the sign was corrected to Essen Stadtteil Südostviertel.
Despite this identity confusion, the Südostviertel boasts its own landmarks. The water tower on Steeler Straße is a prime example. This iconic structure stands proudly next to Diether-Krebs-Platz. The area was formerly known as Ostpark. The water tower was completed in 1884. It suffered heavy damage during the war but was rebuilt. In 1985, it earned landmark status. It continues to function as a water tower. The Essener Tafel also resides within this protected building.
Unlike other Essen districts, the Südostviertel saw less industrial growth. The only significant industrial operation was the Puddel- und Walzwerk Schulz. It was founded in 1855 near the city center. This factory produced various forged pieces. Later, the plant relocated to Duisburg. The district evolved as Essen expanded. The expansion aimed to ease crowded living conditions. It also managed the influx of people due to mining.
In 1911, the Moltkeviertel was built to address housing shortages. This area intended to provide high-quality living spaces.
The Südostviertel is home to several notable locations. St. Michael am Wasserturm church stands near the water tower. Its predecessor stood where the A40 is today. The Hauptschule on Wächtlerstraße was once a Volksschule. You will also find the Grundschule am Wasserturm and the UNESCO-Schule Essen here. The Eulenspiegel cinema, opened in 1955, is a protected landmark. The Neue Synagoge, built in 1959, is in the southern part of the district.
The Moltkeviertel is a highlight. It features interesting urban planning and architecture. Otto Bartning built his first German church here. It is the Alt-Lutherische Kirche, consecrated in 1910. He later designed the Auferstehungskirche. This church became a model for modern church architecture. The Viktoria-Gymnasium, a girls’ school, opened in 1914.
The Ostfriedhof is on the southeastern edge of the Südostviertel. Many important figures from Essen’s history are buried here. Some were reinterred from the Kettwiger Tor cemetery. This cemetery was closed in 1955 for the construction of the A40.
Gustav Heinemann, a former German President, lived on Schinkelstraße. He resided there from 1936 until his death.
Despite its sometimes-overlooked identity, the Südostviertel is a vibrant part of Essen. It offers a mix of history, culture, and community. Take a moment to appreciate its unique character. Consider its landmarks and the stories of its residents.