Exploring Berlin on Foot: The Colorful Allure of Schöneberg's Red Island
Explore the rich history of Red Island, a significant neighborhood in Schöneberg, Berlin, known for its role as an anti-fascist resistance hub and communist stronghold during the 20th century.
Red Island's history is deeply rooted in its working-class character and industrial background, which contributed to its political identity. The area, once home to industrial enterprises like the silk factory run by Johann Heese’s 'Filanda', played a crucial part in fostering organized resistance against fascism.
Despite the challenges posed by urban development pressures, plans to demolish parts of Red Island for freeways were met with resistance in the post-war and Cold War eras. This resistance aimed to protect the area's unique social fabric and historical significance.
The walking tour of Red Island will focus on the anti-fascist resistance struggles, highlighting figures like Marlene Dietrich, Julius Leber, Willi Stoph, and Paul Zech, who were integral to the area's history. The tour will be entirely outside, lasting approximately two hours, starting at 14:00 sharp from Ella-Barowsky-Straße 68, behind the Shell gas station on Sachsendamm.
As you walk through Red Island, you'll encounter the Gasometer towers, a prominent feature of the neighborhood. The tour will end near Yorckstraße, providing a comprehensive overview of this historically significant area.
For those interested in learning more about Red Island's history, the new book "Revolutionary Berlin" can be picked up at the tour. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the organisers at [email protected].
Please note that although a suggested donation of 10 euros per person is recommended for the tour, any contribution is appreciated. The tour is open to all, with no requirement for a ticket.
Lastly, it's worth mentioning that activists have occupied empty apartment buildings on Red Island in several generations, reflecting the area's enduring spirit of resistance and community.
Join us on this journey through time, as we uncover the stories of resistance, resilience, and the spirit of Red Island in Schöneberg, Berlin.
- The unique social fabric and historical significance of Red Island, rooted in its working-class character and political identity, have also extended to the realms of general news, as activists continue to occupy empty apartment buildings on the island, reflecting its enduring spirit of resistance and community.
- While Red Island's history is predominantly engraved in the annals of anti-fascist resistance, it is also pivotal in understanding the evolution of lifestyle and politics in Schöneberg, Berlin, as the area's rich history serves as a testament to the power of peaceful resistance and the importance of preserving historical neighborhoods.
