Location:

Kottbusser Tor, 10999 Berlin

Facts:

• First built in 1902
• Originally one of Berlin’s customs gates

Today an intense mix of Berliners from Turkish background, tourists and hipsters, the ground mark of Kreuzberg’s Neighborhood 36, Kottbusser Tor was originally one of Berlin’s customs gates connecting it to Cottbus.

So why it isn’t spelled Cottbusser Tor, you ask. Well, it was. Not originally, no. Originally, it was spelled Cottbusserthor, then Cottbusser Thor, Cotbuser Thor, Kottbuser Tor and then again some of the ones before, etc etc, until FINALLY, in 1930, Berlin decided for Kottbusser Tor and haven’t changed again/yet, although locals refer to it as Kotti.

To learn more about the history of the station and the former gate, check out the talk below:

Photo and episode: Roberta Caldas