The history of Sophien 11
The listed townhouse at Sophienstrasse 11 dates from the middle of the 18th century, around 1750.
Sophienstrasse
In the Spandauer Vorstadt, the street was originally a traditional craftsmen’s lane, home to basket weavers, umbrella makers and goldsmiths, among others. It was named Sophienstrasse around 1837 after the Sophienkirche, built in 1712 – itself named after Queen Sophie Louise, the third wife of King Frederick I.
“Wanderer, if you do not know her, come to know her”
These words are inscribed on a simple memorial plaque at the Sophienkirche, commemorating the poet Anna Louisa Karsch, known as “die Karschin”. Take them as an invitation to a short walk along this street, which is now a listed ensemble.
Grosse Hamburger Strasse
Next to the Sophienkirche lies the former Jewish cemetery on Grosse Hamburger Strasse. Alongside it there were once a Jewish hospital, a home for the elderly and a Jewish school, where lessons are still held today. A memorial recalls the horrors of the Holocaust.
The house today
Despite the upheavals after reunification and later renovations in the neighbourhood, the house has kept its historic small-town and baroque charm. Dating from around 1750, Sophienstrasse 11 is today the oldest surviving house on the street.
Within its historic walls you will now find Restauration Sophien 11, lovingly furnished in the charming style of the 1920s. We serve traditional German home cooking and Berlin classics – complemented by a green, romantic courtyard garden where you can enjoy your meal in peace, away from the noise of the street.