During the Nazi regime, all these buildings were forcibly taken.
In Germany, in the historic center of Berlin, archaeologists have discovered the last remaining fragments of pre-war buildings on the territory of the current Marx and Engels Forum. The team, led by archaeologist Gerson Joite, is exploring and documenting the basements of houses along the former Burgstrasse — a place where dozens of Jewish families lived before World War II.
It is reported that important objects of Jewish life were located on this street, including the famous "King of Portugal" hotel, which had its own synagogue and kosher kitchen. During the Nazi regime, all these buildings were forcibly taken from their Jewish owners, and after the war, most of them disappeared due to destruction and redevelopment during the GDR period.
Among the recent finds are the remains of house No. 20, which belonged to Nobel Prize laureate Richard Willstätter, as well as the structures of collector Philipp Kossak, thanks to whom unique postage stamps have been preserved in Berlin.
After the archaeological work is completed, the area is planned to be redesigned: new stairs and ramps will be built to the Spree waterfront.
However, some historians criticize the approach of the city authorities. According to urban researcher Benedict Gebel, about 20% of the land in this area has not been fairly returned to the heirs, and compensations, if provided, amounted to only "a few percent of the actual value."
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