Friedrichsgracht

Friedrichsgracht is a historic waterfront street along the Spree Canal on Spree Island, in Berlin's Mitte district. The name dates back to the second half of the 17th century, when Elector Frederick William had this side arm of the Spree turned into a canal. The street was laid out between 1670 and 1681 as part of the fortification works and originally enclosed the southern part of Alt-Kölln. Until 1969 it ran from Inselbrücke to Sperlingsgasse, but it was shortened when the Fischerinsel residential area was built. Today it extends only from Gertraudenbrücke to Sperlingsgasse. The area suffered heavy destruction in World War II and later during the East German era, and many historic buildings were torn down. A replica of an old house on the opposite bank recalls the original development, which was once home to patricians and high-ranking officials.