Grüne Zitadelle

In the heart of Magdeburg, a city with over 1,200 years of history, stands a building that is as whimsical as it is captivating: the Grüne Zitadelle, or Green Citadel. This architectural marvel, designed by the Austrian artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, was inaugurated in October 2005. It was the last project Hundertwasser worked on before his death, and he described it as his most beautiful and successful construction. A visit to the Grüne Zitadelle is not just a trip to a building; it’s a journey into a fantastical world where nature and human creativity coexist in perfect harmony.

The Unique Location

The Grüne Zitadelle is strategically located in the city center, along the Breiter Weg, near the Gothic-style cathedral square and the regional parliament (Landtag). This prime location sparked some controversy when the project was first announced, not due to Hundertwasser's distinctive style, but because of its stark contrast with the surrounding architecture. Within a 200-meter radius, the Grüne Zitadelle stands out against the Romanesque cloister, the Gothic cathedral, the classicist post office, Stalinist buildings, and the blue façade of the Nord/LB bank building. Hundertwasser even adjusted the color of his project upon learning that the bank building, completed in 2002, would be clad in Azul Do Macaubas.

A Rich History

During the era of the German Democratic Republic, the site where the Grüne Zitadelle now stands was occupied by Plattenbau, prefabricated concrete buildings. In 1954, Rolf Opitz, then president of the Magdeburg housing cooperative, had the idea to enlist Hundertwasser to transform the existing building into a signature Hundertwasser architectural piece. The architect was intrigued by the idea, but ultimately, they decided to demolish the Plattenbau and construct a new building from scratch. This decision allowed for greater freedom in design and layout, resulting in the extraordinary structure we see today.

The Complex

Covering an area of 11,000 square meters, the Grüne Zitadelle boasts 55 apartments, offices, a hotel, a kindergarten, shops, and a Viennese café. There is also a Hundertwasser shop that provides visitors with information about the artist and his work. The majority of the complex is dedicated to residential spaces, with each apartment offering a unique design. The building’s roof, spanning 4,000 square meters, is adorned with lush vegetation, embodying Hundertwasser’s vision of harmony with nature.

The Grüne Zitadelle is a testament to originality and eccentricity, hallmarks of Hundertwasser’s style. The building features undulating walls, rounded corners, irregular windows, and a façade decorated with twisted windows highlighted in blue or violet. Multicolored columns resembling giant beads, towers topped with imposing golden spheres, and a pink candy-like exterior make the building look like a whimsical cake. Each apartment door is unique, with different colors and handles. The staircases, adorned with ceramic tiles, give the impression of being worn with age.

Distinctive Features

The Grüne Zitadelle includes two inner courtyards, the larger of which features a fountain. Not a single window in the entire building is identical to another. The green roof, covered with vegetation, gives the complex its name. The building hosts numerous trees, either planted on the roof or attached to the exterior walls. These tree tenants, a concept dear to Hundertwasser, are under the care of the human tenants who maintain them. In some apartments, residents live with a tree planted in their living room, its branches extending out the window.

Modifying the building’s exterior is strictly prohibited. Only the growth of the trees and the natural aging of the colors are allowed to alter the building's appearance, giving it a timeless, aged look. Tenants have the right to decorate the façade around their windows as far as their arms and paintbrushes can reach. At the highest point of the building, 33 meters up, there is a house on the house, a smaller replica of the complex adapted for a family. This castello is available for rent for receptions and events.

A visit to the Grüne Zitadelle is a must for anyone traveling to Magdeburg. It’s not just an architectural landmark but a vibrant, living piece of art that reflects Hundertwasser’s philosophy of ecological harmony and human creativity. Whether you’re exploring the quirky apartments, enjoying a coffee in the Viennese café, or simply admiring the building’s unique design, the Grüne Zitadelle offers an unforgettable experience that defies conventional architectural norms and celebrates the beauty of individuality and nature.