From Bohemian village to a cosmopolitan district
The district in the south of Berlin is made up of Neukölln, Britz, Buckow, Gropiusstadt and Rudow. As the most important industrial location in Berlin, Neukölln is also a traditional working class area. Above all in the northern parts of the district most of the dwellings are flats in the typical tenement buildings.
History
The original village of Rixdorf and the adjacent settlement established for Bohemian migrant workers by Frederick William I were combined in 1874 to form the town of Rixdorf. In the course of industrialisation, Rixdorf became Prussia's largest industrial location, and the population grew within three decades from 15 300 to 175 000. Renamed Neukölln in 1912, it became part of Great Berlin in 1920.
Rixdorf was a favourite destination for Berlin day trippers, with its numerous beer gardens and music halls, which also provided venues for sports events and political assemblies. In the late 19th century, as many flats as possible were crammed into the tenements. The most infamous example, the "Richardsburg" had 5 consecutive yards (Richardstr. 35). The cramped buildings of the Rollberg development, which was started in 1875, were demolished completely in the late 1970s to make way for a new housing project.
Statistics
- Area: 4,499 hectares
- Residents 2008: 306.713
- Ethnic minorities 2008: 22.2 %
- Average income per household 2007: € 1,400/month
Source: Amt für Statistik Berlin-Brandenburg (Statistical Office of Berlin-Brandenburg)
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Neukölln indoor swimming pool (5)
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