Universität Hamburg - Hauptgebäude

Our walk through the old district begins with an overview of the history of the neighborhood, which has been a center of the Jewish community since the second half of the 19th century. Places, streets, and historical buildings still remind us of this history in today’s urban landscape, which gained new momentum with the lifting of the Hamburg gate restriction in 1860. More and more Jewish institutions, including synagogues as well as shops for both religious and daily needs, settled here. "Little Jerusalem" - this is what the district came to be colloquially called. In 1933, and in the following years of Nazi rule, this experienced its brutal end. Most synagogues and community institutions were destroyed during the so-called Night of Broken Glass. Those who could not flee were sent to extermination camps, deported, and murdered. It was not until 2007 - with the handover of the Talmud-Tora School and some other institutions to the Jewish community - that the Grindel quarter began to regain its status as an important center of Jewish culture. Also influential for the district is the university founded in 1919. With its nearly 40,000 students, its numerous impressive Gründerzeit buildings, as well as its concrete blocks built only after the war, it gives the neighborhood a unique character for Hamburg. This place is full of exciting contradictions, which becomes evident right at the beginning of our walk in front of the main university building and in the discussion about the patronage of Hamburg merchants. Later, we will also make a stop at Rothenbaumchaussee, at the Curio-Haus, and at the Grand Elysee. In a relaxed manner, we want to joyfully explore the various facets of this very diverse and lovable district, its special flair, and its vibrant life. If the participants wish, a stop at one of the many cozy pubs or restaurants will be added at the end of the tour.

Germany's largest overseas port played an important role in the planning of the National Socialists as the "Führerstadt." 88 years ago, they also seized power in the formerly "red" and liberal Hamburg. On this city tour, we visit the sites of NS rule: to the square of the Jewish deportees, to the university, to the first party office of the NSDAP, to Gänsemarkt, to buildings that were subject to expropriations, to the town hall, to the Heinrich Heine memorial, as well as to the "76er" memorial at Dammtor, the commemorative monument by Alfred Hrdlicka and the memorial site for deserters. We also see the Alster Pavilion, where the Swing Youth met.