Alter Schlachthof, Industrial heritage building in Giessen, Germany
The Alter Schlachthof is a former slaughterhouse in Giessen featuring a distinctive water tower and large chimney. The complex displays Art Nouveau elements with exposed brick walls and steel structures that form a multistory industrial landscape now adapted for residential and commercial uses.
The complex was constructed between 1908 and 1913 as a municipal slaughterhouse and expanded in the 1930s with additional facilities for cattle handling and administrative offices. It later underwent renovation to become a residential and commercial mixed-use development while retaining its industrial character.
The name reflects its origins as a municipal slaughterhouse, a role still visible in the industrial design of the buildings. Today, locals and visitors use the space for dining, working, and living, blending past industrial functions with contemporary urban life.
The site is located on the right bank of the Lahn River at Schlachthofstrasse 8 and remains easily accessible from the city center. Visitors can find restaurants, cafes, and shops throughout the grounds, with open pathways between buildings that invite exploration.
The restoration project won second place in the 2019 Hessian Monument Protection Prize, reflecting the high quality of the reconstruction work. The teams preserved original tiles and historical steel support structures while integrating contemporary functions throughout.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
