Rüdesheim Square

Undoubtedly one of Berlin's most beautiful, if not most romantic, squares, Rüdesheim Square is located in the staunchly bourgeois neighborhood of Wilmersdorf. But even a neighborhood like that does have its highlights, and next to Preussenpark - or as it's come to be dubbed: Thai-Park - and Paris Street, Rüdesheim Square is one of them!

And just so you know: it didn't exactly take the New York Times for me to realize what a gem this square is. Still, I must admit that I was as surprised as I was thrilled to read one of their articles recently, where they named Rüdesheimer Strasse (the street that leads up to the square of the same name) one of Europe's most beautiful.

No, as someone who lives relatively close by, I've long appreciated the wonders of this Berlin hideaway, perhaps because of its distinct Parisian feel ...

please click on each image to enlarge: 

Rüdesheim Squre is named after the City of Rüdesheim, located in Germany's south, on the river  Rhine. References to Rüdesheim's age old wine growing tradition are evident in the Bacchanalian detail on the entrance door belonging to an apartment building located near Rüdesheim Square. 

Rüdesheim Square and its surrounds are known for their grand period buildings, many of which feature stunningly beautiful details:

The centre piece of Rüdesheim Square is the actual square with its landscaped garden and its impressive fountain at its top end:

. 

This former phone booth on Rüdesheim Square has been converted into a book exchange, named Villa Libris, where anyone can borrow - as well as lend - books for free (and, of course, without the  additional hassle of having to become a member or anything): 

One of the best things about Rüdesheim Square is its variety of shops, bars, restaurants, organic food stores, and cafes ... there's everything from hearty German (Landauer) to haute cuisine French (Pastis). But there's also an organic bakery (Bio Backhaus), a  vinotheque (Hertz), and even a pet bakery (Königsplätzchen), offering only vegan (!) cookies for dogs, all organic, of course :

Rüdesheim Square can best be reached by underground. It is located along Line 3 - Berlin's metro line with the most beautiful stations -  and even has its own stop: