Alfandary-Haus

Welcome to Berlin, the vibrant capital of Germany! Today, we will be exploring the Alfandary-Haus, a historic office and commercial building located in the heart of Mitte, one of the city's most popular neighborhoods. The Alfandary-Haus was built between 1913 and 1914 by architects John Martens and Arthur Vogdt. It is a five-story building with an additional attic level, and it is considered a protected monument due to its historical significance. The building was commissioned by the Alfandary brothers, who were Sephardic Jews that immigrated from the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. One of the most striking features of the Alfandary-Haus is its fully-clad brick facade. The building also has an asymmetrical arrangement of windows on the ground and first floors, which contrasts with the more regular layout of the upper floors. Above the four asymmetrical window bays on the first floor, there is a terracotta frieze depicting allegories of wealth and abundance. As you move up the building, you'll notice that the supporting pillars are staggered from the second floor onwards. Originally, the building's use was indicated by a sign reading "Alfandary Frères Persian Carpets" on the second floor, flanked by a crescent moon and star on either side. After World War II, the Alfandary-Haus became the headquarters of Neue Zeit, a newspaper owned by the East German Christian Democratic Union. Until the year 2000, there was a prominent advertisement for the newspaper on the left-hand side of the building's exterior. In the late 1990s, the building was purchased by DEFO, who renovated and modernized both the interior and exterior of the building. Two additional attic levels were added during this renovation process. Today, the Alfandary-Haus stands as a testament to Berlin's rich history and architectural heritage. We hope you enjoyed this tour of one of the city's most iconic buildings!

Location: Berlin

Location: Berlin-Mitte

Source: Wikimedia