Alt-Berlin

Alt-Berlin is a historic quarter in Mitte that stretches from Jannowitzbrücke station to Hackescher Markt, with the Spree forming its southern edge. The area includes three smaller neighborhoods, the Nikolaiviertel, Marienviertel and Klosterviertel, which together form the oldest inhabited part of the German capital.

The settlement received city rights in 1251 and joined with its sister town Cölln in 1307 to act as a trading center within the Hanseatic network. The two towns grew closely together over the centuries until they were later seen as the core of Berlin and their original names gradually faded.

The Klosterviertel takes its name from the monasteries that once stood here and shaped daily life in medieval times. Its narrow lanes still follow the paths merchants and craftsmen used to move between workshops and market squares centuries ago.

The Stadtbahn and several commuter rail lines bring visitors to the area, with Jannowitzbrücke station often serving as a starting point for walks. The small lanes are best explored on foot, as many corners and courtyards remain accessible only to pedestrians.

The town received the right to mint its own coins in 1280 and introduced two bears into its coat of arms at that time. This motif took hold and later became the enduring symbol of the entire city of Berlin.