Berlin
Lessons in magnificence: Berlin's historic schools
Getting an education in a building resembling a miniature palace might not make classes any easier, but one thing's for sure: Berlin's historic schools are a sight to behold.
Many of these early 20th century buildings escaped World War II completely unscathed, and today provide a fascinating insight into the city's former opulence.
Ready to be impressed? Check out Berlin's least obvious architectural highlights for a lesson in Gründerzeit style.
Carl von Ossietzky Secondary School, Pankow
Easily the most spectacular of Berlin's historic schools, this vast, neo-renaissance-style building was completed in 1910.
Image credits: Christian Corona
It's hard to believe that the palace-like edifice was built just for kids, but the imposing exterior with its soaring, multi-storey gable is complemented by interior features such as a grand staircase and marble-clad walls. Exquisite.
Görschstraße 42/44, 13187 Berlin
Elementary school on Barbarossaplatz
Constructed in 1907, the primary school on the corner of Schöneberg's Barbarossaplatz doubles as an adult education centre, so grown-ups can get to experience its grandeur, too.
Particularly impressive is the entranceway surrounded by elaborately carved stonework, but inside there's yet more opulent Gründerzeit detail, all topped off with a sweeping central staircase.
Image credit:s flickr.com/till krech
Barbarossaplatz 5, 10781 Berlin
The Paula-Fürst-Schule, Charlottenburg
Dominating the street on which it's located, this enormous brick complex was built between 1907-1909 in a curious architectural medley of early modernism with late Jugendstil touches.
The school's most dramatic feature is a soaring clocktower that's visible throughout the neighbourhood; no excuse, then, for being late to classes!
Sybelstraße 20/21, 10629 Berlin
Friedrich-Bergius-Schule
Located on a pretty garden square, this secondary school complete with ornate clocktower and wrought iron balconies almost resembles a small French chateau.
Yet another highlight is provided by the neighbourhood itself: a leafy, lovely Friedenau quarter that's in itself a true hidden gem.
Image credit: stadtteilzeitung-schoeneberg.de
Perelsplatz 6-9, 12159 Berlin
Goethe Secondary School
Image credits Andreas Praefcke, wikipedia
Boasting an abundance of elaborate stonework and detailing, this romanesque-style academy was opened in 1904 and still counts as one of Wilmersdorf's architectural highlights.
The main entrance resembles the portal to a mediaeval palace, while on the Uhlandstraße side of the building a series of intricate carvings depict air, earth, fire and water (an extra 'element', electricity, is thrown in for good measure).
Image credit:s goethe-gymnasium-berlin.cidsnet.de
Gasteiner Strasse 25, 10717 Berlin
See also:
A time capsule apartment
A colony of villas
Berlin's most bizarre sights
A museum of bathrooms
(Note: for obvious reasons we don't recommend entering the schools without permission, but many of the interiors can be viewed during special open days).
