Postamt Bitterfeld

In the heart of Bitterfeld-Wolfen, nestled in the picturesque region of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, lies the Postamt Bitterfeld, a historic edifice that tells the tale of the town's rich postal history and architectural evolution. This former local office of the Deutsche Post stands as a testament to the region's vibrant past and its journey through the sands of time.

The History of Postamt Bitterfeld

The story of Postamt Bitterfeld begins in the early 19th century, a time when the postal administration was located in the neighboring town of Holzweißig. Following the transition of Saxon territories to Prussia after the Congress of Vienna, the postal administration was relocated to Bitterfeld in 1822. Initially situated at the market square, it later moved to Hallische Straße before finally settling at Schießhausstraße.

The advent of the railway station west of Bitterfeld in 1857 marked a significant turning point. A new district emerged, bridging the old town and the station. Among the various establishments that sprang up along the new streets, the Imperial Post Office of the Reichspost was one of the most notable. This architectural marvel was inaugurated on September 29, 1901, based on designs by the architect Postbaurat Caltner.

The building housed not only the usual postal facilities such as the counter hall and parcel acceptance but also administrative offices, telegraph and telephone offices, machine rooms, and residential apartments for postal employees. The establishment was renamed the German Post Office after World War I, reflecting the changing political landscape.

In 1924, a significant reorganization took place under Postbaurat Ratzeburg. The horse stables and coach houses were converted into garages and bicycle sheds for the postal carriers, and a new motor vehicle hall was constructed in 1926. The late 1930s saw the establishment of rural postal stations in the surrounding areas, including Greppin, Friedersdorf, Holzweißig, Muldenstein, Sandersdorf, and Zscherndorf.

The tumultuous days of World War II led to the closure of the post office, and it underwent a process of denazification in the same year. The linden trees, which had lent their name to the street, were felled in 1974 to make way for parking spaces. The building underwent further renovations between August and December 2001.

In 2008, the post office was sold to a Luxembourg investment firm and leased by Postbank, which continued to offer some postal services. However, on May 28, 2019, the branch was permanently closed, and a new partner branch was opened nearby on Walther-Rathenau-Straße 56. Subsequently, law firms moved into the building, marking a new chapter in its storied existence.

Architectural Marvel of Postamt Bitterfeld

The Postamt Bitterfeld is a stunning architectural ensemble comprising two distinct buildings and additional courtyard structures. The eastern building, adjacent to the courthouse, is a fine example of Neo-Renaissance architecture. The central curved gable, inspired by the Northern Renaissance of the 16th century, features a relief panel with the Prussian eagle.

The red brick structure consists of interlocking building parts, including a tower at the northeast corner, a main building with a larger gable, and a building next to the tower accentuated by an oriel with a gable. The main entrance is located at the westernmost axis, with another entrance in the tower designed as a staircase tower. The tower's octagonal illusion is continued by its cap, adding to its architectural intrigue.

A unified base was created for these two buildings to avoid the impression of a disjointed structure. This base emphasizes the basement floor and deliberately stands out with suggested rubble stones, making the building appear as a wing of the tower structure. The horizontal division of the floors further enhances this effect, with the ground floor featuring white horizontal stripes, the first floor adorned with sandstone window frames and a cornice, and the roof area showcasing Renaissance-style gables with volutes and sandstone window frames.

The triangular gable of the main gable is punctuated by a small obelisk, a feature also found on the balcony's crowning. The main entrance, however, is relocated to the westernmost axis, where the Renaissance portal's impact is somewhat diminished. The overall design eschews symmetry, creating a unique and captivating layout.

The western building, numbered 13, is a historicist structure built with yellow bricks, likely sourced from the Greppin brickworks. Despite being part of the post office complex and lacking its own street entrance, it is symmetrically designed with two projecting risalites. The middle section once featured a wooden veranda extending over two floors, adding to its charm.

A Living Monument

Today, the Postamt Bitterfeld stands as a protected monument, bearing the monument number 094 16223. It serves as a reminder of the town's dynamic history and its architectural heritage. Visitors to Bitterfeld-Wolfen can marvel at this historic building, which continues to be a symbol of the town's enduring legacy and evolving identity.

In conclusion, the Postamt Bitterfeld is more than just a historical building; it is a living testament to the town's rich past and its journey through time. Its walls echo stories of bygone eras, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the beautiful region of Saxony-Anhalt.