Henkerhaus, Medieval residential building in Bernau bei Berlin, Germany
The Henkerhaus is a residential building from the first half of the 18th century featuring half-timber construction with a plastered facade applied during a 19th century renovation. It stands against the medieval city wall and now houses a museum space with displays related to its historical function and former residents.
The building was constructed in the first half of the 18th century and served as the residence and workplace of the city executioner until the mid-19th century. Its use ended as legal systems in Germany underwent modernization.
The name references the executioner who lived here and was part of the town's legal system. Visitors can sense how this profession shaped daily life and how the building reflects both the person's work and their place in the community.
The building is visible from outside at any time and sits centrally by the city wall, making it easy to locate. Visitors should know that interior access has limited hours and some rooms may be restricted depending on preservation needs.
Inside the building, a reconstructed Black Kitchen shows how people cooked without chimneys from the 17th to 19th centuries. This faithful recreation with period furnishings gives visitors a direct sense of everyday life in earlier times.
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