Steinplatz: Historical place shines in new splendor!

Steinplatz: Historical place shines in new splendor!

in the heart of Berlin, opposite the main building of the University of the Arts, the Steinplatz sits enthroned - a historical place with new life. The place, named after Heinrich Friedrich Karl Freiherr vom and to the stone, was launched in 1885 in honor of one of the most important Prussian reformers of his time. Stein was not only a central player in the politics of Prussian reforms, but also a visionary that set up the basics of modern society.

Heinrich Friedrich Karl Reichsfreiherr from and to the stone, born on October 25, 1757 in Nassau and died on June 29, 1831 in Cappenberg, was largely committed to reforms that turned Prussia into an enlightened nation state. Together with Karl August von Hardenberg, he created the foundations for the so-called "Stein-Hardenberg’s Reforms", which included the farmers' exemption and equality of the citizens from 1807. These laws were a reaction to the catastrophic defeats of Prussia in 1806 and 1807 and came about in times of upheaval and the need to realign the state, especially after the peace of Tilsit.

a place with history and green design

The redesign of the Steinplatz in 2018 transformed it into an inviting place for students, residents and passers -by. In the past blessed with a rather dreary appearance, the square was redesigned by Joachim Kaiser in 1950, whereby classic green areas and flower discounts came to the fore. Today the space no longer only serves as a passage station, but as a living space that promotes exchange and culture.

Since 2019, the Steinplatz has also been used for artistic and creative activities. Performances, readings and temporary installations can be found here that combines the past and the present.

The role of the Prussian reforms

The reformal measures that stone and its fellow campaigners introduced were not only an attempt to reorganize the social and economic structures of Prussia, but also became necessary to get out of an absolutist agricultural state. King Friedrich Wilhelm III. It was forced to introduce reforms after Prussia had suffered great loss of territory due to recruitment and wars. The reforms also included the introduction of freedom of commercial freedom, the equality of the Jews and the self -administration of the cities by elected representatives.

Within the reformation framework, not only a stronger role of the ministers, but also the basis for the later national unification of Germany. Together with other reformers, Stein was taken up for his foresight and courage to change society after his death and remains an important figure in German history.

With the Steinplatz we have a place that not only reminds of the performance of Heinrich Friedrich Karl vom and to the stone, but also a sign of cultural life and shared exchange in the living city of Berlin. History and the present live hand in hand here and offer everyone a place to linger and exchange.

When it comes to combining glorious past and dynamic presence, the Steinplatz lives up to its name.

For deeper information and an exciting historical journey via Heinrich Friedrich Karl vom and to the stone and the Reformation period in Prussia, there is an interesting contribution to ARD Mediathek , as well as detailed information about the person stone on wikipedia and to the Prussian reforms here .