Schützenstrasse District

This ultra-colourful block of buildings, known as the Schützenstrasse district, sharply contrasts with the rest of the neighborhood, and is the work of the Italian architect Aldo Rossi. Having been devastated by the war, the area you are standing in was empty and abandoned at the beginning of German reunification. The city then decided to heavily invest in its reconstruction, which began in 1994. From the outside, you might be tricked into thinking that each facade and each building was designed by a different architect and at a different time. Aldo Rossi wanted to pay tribute to traditional Berlin urban planning, where every plot of land is used in its own unique way, while also connecting the past, present, and future together. He drew inspiration from a wide variety of sources, making the district a collage of different architectural references. For example, the vivid colors used are reminiscent of those used in ancient architecture. Right in front of you, at No. 8 Schützenstrasse, you’ll find a replica of the facade of the Farnese Palace in Rome. The block also has four inner courtyards inside, so feel free to explore them. They offer views over the Berlin sky that are as geometric as they are colorful. You’ll be sure to take the perfect photo! Unfortunately, Rossi would never see his work completed. He passed away in 1998, shortly before construction was finished. Take a few moments to admire his work, and be sure to step into the courtyards.