They go back to designs by Alexis de Chateauneuf, which were commissioned after the “Great Fire” ravaged the city in 1842. The Rathausmarkt and the Alte Post were redesigned around the same time, as Chateauneuf was seen as a pioneer in the renewal of brick architecture. To this day, the Alsterakarden are considered a prominent example of so-called “post-fire architecture”.
The Alsterarkaden, one of Hamburg’s oldest promenades and shopping miles, offer a fantastic view of the Binnenalster and the Rathausmarkt, not just for shopping enthusiasts but also local office workers. With its white arches, waterfront location and picturesque terraces, visitors can experience Venetian flair right in Hamburg’s city centre. This is what Alexis de Chateauneuf was inspired to create during his travels in Italy.
The Alsterarkaden offer office tenants an enchanting view of the Binnenalster and the Rathausmarkt. Retail tenants benefit from the thriving tourist traffic along the Jungfernstieg and Neuer Wall. Tenants include Wempe, Swatch, and Douglas.
The Mellin-Passage – Hamburg’s oldest shopping arcade – was built between the famous Jungfernstieg, the Kleine Alster, the Schleusenbrücke and Neuer Wall. Due to a fire in 1989, the remains of one of the buildings had to be demolished. Surprisingly, wall and ceiling paintings in the passageway came to light during the renovation work, and they can still be viewed. Today, four of the original buildings remain. Visitors can recognise them by the gilded fishes, tridents between the arches, and the iron railings and old lanterns.
After sightseeing and shopping in and around the Alsterakaden, visitors can fortify themselves in one of the many cafés and then sit on the steps along the canal to watch the swans on the Alster – Hamburg’s living landmarks – or watch the classic Alster steamers as they make their way through the locks to the Elbe river.