Großbeeren: Discover History and Architecture
Accommodation in Großbeeren
Großbeeren brings together places of remembrance and a distinctive architectural history. The 32-metre-high Memorial Tower, the church built to Karl Friedrich Schinkel’s designs, and the decommissioned sewage farm each offer a different perspective. When planning a trip, you can decide whether you are most interested in the history of the battle, architecture, or a landmark in the history of Berlin.
Places of Remembrance and the Bülow Pyramid
The Memorial Tower commemorates the Battle of Großbeeren on 23 August 1813. It was built in 1913 to mark the 100th anniversary of the battle; the museum on the ground floor also covers this event. The tower thus combines a memorial to the battle with a museum in the same building. In good weather, the view from its observation platform extends for more than 30 kilometres across the surrounding countryside. Alongside its historical significance, the tower’s height and the far-reaching view make it a destination in its own right for taking in the scenery.
Another place of remembrance is the Bülow Pyramid on Windmühlenhügel (Windmill Hill). Built in 1906, it is dedicated to General von Bülow. The Bülow Memorial Run takes place every year during the Victory Festival at the end of August, with both the start and finish at the pyramid. The festival and the run are recurring local events, while the pyramid itself commemorates a single historical figure. Those interested in local history will find a different perspective here than at the Memorial Tower.
The Schinkel Church and Its Distinctive Design
The Protestant Schinkel Church was built from 1818 to 1820 in the Neo-Gothic style, based on a design by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. The church was presented to King Frederick William III in thanks for the victory at the Battle of Großbeeren. Its origins are therefore linked to the same battle commemorated by the Memorial Tower, though the church offers its own architectural perspective.
Its floor plan is shaped like a Greek cross. The interior furnishings were also made to Schinkel’s designs. Unlike the characteristic fieldstone churches in neighbouring towns, the Schinkel Church stands out for its exotic exterior. This offers a clear contrast when choosing what to see on your trip: you can set the distinctive design of a church building against the places of remembrance associated with the battle. If you are travelling with children, the different forms and functions of these places can prompt questions you can explore together about history and architecture, without limiting the trip to a single theme.
A Landmark in Berlin’s History
The decommissioned Großbeeren sewage farm is an important landmark in Berlin’s history. Its most important structures have been listed since 1999. The site is at the end of Trebbiner Straße, about a ten-minute walk from the Memorial Tower in central Großbeeren. This approximate walking time provides a practical guide to the distance between the two places. The historical focus also differs from that of the tower and church: the sewage farm draws attention to a landmark in Berlin’s history, while the Memorial Tower and Schinkel Church are directly connected to the Battle of Großbeeren.
Which aspect of local history interests you most?
When choosing a holiday apartment, it may help to first decide what kind of trip you want and plan your visits around it.
Explore the pages for Jänickendorf, Baruth/Mark, Am Mellensee, Nuthe-Urstromtal, Kemnitz, Niederer Fläming, Siethen and Werben as well.
For the broader travel overview: Teltow-Fläming.
