Hohenschönhausen Memorial

Hohenschönhausen Memorial
Source: pixelio.de Photographer: Michael-Werner Nickel

Have you ever wondered how the prisoners of the secret police in former East Germany felt? What methods were used for interrogation and how they were subsequently put into jail? Do you wish to know how the socialist regime of the German Democratic Republic dealt with its political and social opponents?

If so then be sure to visit the Hohenschönhausen memorial. It is concerned with the grounds on which the central detention centre of the Ministry for State Security were located during the times of the DDR (East Germany).After reunification these buildings were initially empty and in 1994 were converted into a memorial.

Meanwhile the memorial is operated by a public independent charitable trust. The trust wants to ensure that the history of the Hohenschönhausen prison, and the methods employed by the state security of East Germany against those opposed to the regime, are not forgotten.

The memorial thus gives an insight into the judicial system of East Germany and exposes how regime opponents were persecuted and repressed.

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Since almost all of the buildings still reflect their original condition, it becomes very clear how the prisoners of the communist regime must have felt. This factor is further enhanced through the guided tours around the memorial which are in general carried out by former prisoners. In this way the history becomes particularly clear and alive.

The Hohenschönhausen memorial is open all year round for all visitors. In 2009 alone, over 300,000 people visited this place. Whether it is a school outing, a business trip or tourist excursion, a visit to this historic site should definitely be included.

Webseite: http://www.stiftung-hsh.de/

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