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Our walk through the old quarter begins with an outline of the history of the district, which has been a center of the Jewish community since the second half of the 19th century. Towns, streets and historic buildings are a reminder of this story in today's cityscape, which gained new momentum when the Hamburg gate was lifted in 1860. More and more Jewish institutions, including synagogues, but also shops for religious and everyday needs settled here. "Little Jerusalem" - that is how the district was finally called in the vernacular.
In 1933 and in the following years of Nazi rule, this came to a brutal end. Most of the synagogues and community facilities were destroyed during the so-called Reichspogromnacht. Those who were unable to escape came to the extermination camps, were deported and murdered. Only since 2007 - with the handover of the Talmud-Tora School and some other institutions to the Jewish community - has the Grindelviertel become an important center of Jewish culture again.
The university that was founded in 1919 is also characteristic of the district. With its almost 40,000 students, with its numerous imposing Wilhelminian style buildings, but also with its concrete blocks that only emerged after the war, it gives the district a unique character for Hamburg.
A place full of exciting contradictions, which is also clear at the beginning of our tour of the main building of the university and in the discussion about the patronage of Hamburg merchants. Later also on a detour to Rothenbaumchaussee, to the Curio-Haus and to the Grand Elysee.
In a relaxed manner, we want to enjoy the various facets of this very diverse and endearing district, its special flair and its lively life. If the participants wish, a detour to one of the many cozy pubs or restaurants is added at the end of the tour.
