The Emperor is history! The signs for Richard-von-Weizsäcker-Platz were officially unveiled on Thursday.
The triangular square at the intersection of Hauptstrasse, Crellestrasse and Kolonnenstrasse has been called Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz since 1893. Named after Wilhelm I (1797-1888), the King of Prussia and at the same time the first German Emperor.
Last year, the district parliament decided to rename the square – in honor of the former Governing Mayor (1981-1984) and Federal President (1984-1994) von Weizsäcker.
District Mayor Jörn Oltmann (55, Greens) paid tribute to the CDU politician: “He has always campaigned for people’s reconciliation after the Second World War.”
CDU country chief Kai Wegner (49): “Richard von Weizsäcker was the voice of Berlin and its burning desire for peace and freedom. This message is more relevant today than ever. His name will always have a special place in our city’s collective memory.”
The old name of the square will remain (crossed out) for another six months – to make orientation easier.
