Hack Courtyards (Hackescher Höfe) is a unique architectural masterpiece located in the center of Berlin. A combination of beautiful buildings designer shops, cozy cafes, cultural and nightlife in the district.

Until the 17th century, the territory of the Hack courtyards was located on the outskirts, in front of them was a high city wall. Close to it lived the workers of the nearby warehouses, where were kept the hay and straw. Inside the city, it was forbidden to keep such materials to prevent a fire.

In 1731, by order of the Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm I, the city territory was enlarged, and the place of Hack Courtyards became the part of Berlin. And in 1750, by order of Frederick II, the commandant of the city, Count Hans Christoph Friedrich von Hacke, modernized the district and placed there the market square - Hackescher Markt.

The modern look the Hack Courtyards got in 1906. The complex, consisting of eight closed courtyards, was designed by the architect Kurt Brandt. That time, it was the largest living and commercial complex of entire Germany, having unique functions. It is interesting that every one of the eight courtyards had its purpose. The horizontal building of the first courtyard was designed for the large hall for ceremonies, in the two courtyards, there were located the factory buildings, in the other courtyards – the residential apartments with balconies.

During the war, Hack Courtyards were destroyed. During the separation of Berlin, nobody thought about their restoration. The houses and facades became old, lost their attractiveness. In 1977, the complex was included in the architectural monuments list, and in 1993, after the fall of the wall, there were led the restoration works.

Today the Hack courtyards are the favorite meeting place for Berliners and guests of the city. But you should remember that you can visit it only in the daytime: in the evening the part of the courtyards, where the houses are located, is closed, and you cannot see the whole complex, with its beauty and cozy courtyards.