Dortmund history

The history of Dortmund spans over 1,100 years and is closely linked to the trade and political development of Western Europe. From a modest settlement to an influential member of the Hanseatic League, the city has undergone a long journey of formation.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first written mention of a settlement on the site of modern Dortmund dates back to the years 880–882. In the chronicles, it appeared under the name Throtmanni, which translates from Old High German as "settlement at the river mouth". Initially, it was a small village, but by the year 990, it received the right to conduct trade from the King, which became the first step towards its future economic growth.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of Dortmund into a significant city was driven by several factors:

• Political Support: In the 12th century, Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa paid attention to the settlement, rebuilding it after a fire and even residing here for some time. This contributed to strengthening its status.
• Trade Significance: In 1220, Dortmund received city status and later became a Free Imperial City, answering directly to the Emperor rather than local feudal lords. This provided a powerful impetus for the development of trade and crafts.
• Membership in the Hanseatic League: Joining the Hanseatic League—a powerful trade association of Northern European cities—was the pinnacle of Dortmund's early development. The city was one of the key members of the league in Westphalia, which strengthened its economic power.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the Middle Ages, Dortmund was known not only as a trade centre. In the late 13th century, the city received official permission for brewing, laying the foundation for the traditions for which it is famous today. As a Free Imperial City, Dortmund had the right to mint its own coins and possessed significant autonomy, which attracted merchants and craftsmen from all over Europe.

Key Dates in the History of Dortmund

From a medieval trading post to a modern technological centre, the history of Dortmund is filled with events that shaped its unique character. Here is a brief chronology of the most important milestones in the city's development.

• 880-882 — First written mention of the settlement under the name Throtmanni in monastic records.
• 990 — The settlement receives the right to conduct market trade from the King, laying the foundation for its future economic growth.
• 1152 — Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa restores the city after a fire and makes it his residence for a time.
• 1220 — Dortmund officially receives city status and becomes a Free Imperial City, subordinate directly to the Emperor.
• 1293 — The city is granted the right to brew, marking the beginning of Dortmund's famous brewing traditions.
• 14th Century — Dortmund becomes one of the influential members of the powerful Hanseatic League, playing a key role in the trade of Westphalia.
• 1618-1648 — The Thirty Years' War leads to a significant decline of the city, and the loss of its former influence and wealth.
• 1847 — The opening of the Cologne-Minden Railway turns Dortmund into an important transport hub and sparks industrialisation.
• Mid-19th Century — The city becomes the centre of the industrial revolution in the Ruhr region thanks to active coal mining and the development of the steel industry.
• 1909 — The football club "Borussia Dortmund" (BVB) is founded, becoming an integral part of the city's identity and cultural life.
• 1945 — During the Second World War, the city undergoes massive bombings, resulting in the destruction of up to 98% of the central area.
• Late 20th - Early 21st Century — Dortmund undergoes a massive structural transformation, turning from an industrial giant into a centre for technology, services, and culture.
• 2001 — The closure of the major steel plant "Phoenix-Ost" symbolises the end of the industrial era and the beginning of the reclamation of industrial zones.

The history of Dortmund is a journey from a medieval trade centre to an industrial giant and a modern technology hub. The city has changed its appearance many times, and every era has left a noticeable mark on its development.

First Mention and Trade Rights. The settlement under the name Throtmanni was first mentioned in chronicles around the year 882. By 990, it had received royal rights for market trade, which laid the foundations for its future economic prosperity.

The Hanseatic League. Joining the Hanseatic League in the 13th century turned Dortmund into one of the most important cities in Westphalia. Having received the status of a Free Imperial City, it became an influential trade and political centre, minted its own coins, and secured its wealth for several centuries.

Centre of Brewing. Brewing traditions in Dortmund date back more than 700 years. As early as 1293, the city received the right to produce beer, and later this became a privilege of all free citizens. Dortmund's production heritage remains one of the symbols of the region.

Industrial Revolution. From the mid-19th century, the city became the heart of the industrial revolution in the Ruhr region of Germany. The opening of the Cologne-Minden Railway in 1847, and subsequently the Dortmund-Ems Canal, turned it into a key transport hub. Active coal mining and the development of the steel industry defined the city's economy for many decades to come.

Post-War Reconstruction. The Second World War left the city almost completely destroyed—up to 98% of the centre lay in ruins. However, high demand for coal and steel contributed to an amazingly rapid recovery. By 1950, the city's population had reached 500,000 again, and the reconstruction shaped the modern architectural look of the centre.

Structural Transformations. Since the late 1950s, when the coal industry entered a crisis, Dortmund began to actively transform its economy. Mines were closed, and parks and new urban spaces appeared in their place. The city reoriented itself towards the service sector, technology, science, and insurance.

Modern Technological and Cultural Centre. Today, Dortmund is known as a centre of innovation. Major research institutes and IT companies are located here. Former industrial zones, such as PHOENIX West, have been turned into modern technology parks and leisure areas, for example, at Phoenix Lake.

The architectural appearance of Dortmund is a visible history of the city, marked by medieval heritage, an industrial boom, and almost complete rebirth after the Second World War. Modern Dortmund represents an eclectic combination of a few miraculously preserved ancient buildings, functional post-war developments, and bold modern architecture symbolising its transition into the post-industrial era.

Medieval Heritage: Gothic and Romanesque Style

Despite massive destruction in the 20th century, iconic sacred buildings have been preserved in the city, reminding us of its former grandeur within the Hanseatic League. St. Reinold's Church (Reinoldikirche), founded in the 13th century, is a vivid example combining elements of Romanesque style and Gothic. Its mighty tower still dominates the city centre. Other important monuments of that era are the Gothic St. Mary's Church (Marienkirche) and St. Peter's Church (Petrikirche), known for its unique carved altar, the "Golden Wonder of Westphalia".

The Era of Industrialisation: From Neo-Renaissance to Art Nouveau

In the late 19th century, during a period of rapid industrial growth, Dortmund's architecture was enriched with monumental public and industrial buildings. The Old Town Hall (Altes Stadthaus), built in 1899, is a fine example of the Neo-Renaissance style. At the same time, the appearance of industrial districts was forming: characteristic brick factory buildings and workers' settlements (Zechensiedlungen). A unique monument of this era is the "Zollern" Colliery (Zeche Zollern)—an example of industrial architecture in the Jugendstil (German Art Nouveau) style, where aesthetics were given no less attention than functionality.

Post-War Reconstruction: Functionalism of the 1950s

The Second World War was a tragic milestone in the city's history—its centre was 98% destroyed. The adopted reconstruction plan did not provide for the exact recreation of historical buildings. Instead, a choice was made in favour of functionalism, characteristic of the 1950s: wide streets, simple and practical buildings. It was this approach that defined the modern, predominantly modernist look of the central part of Dortmund, including the main shopping street, Westenhellweg.

Modern Architecture: Symbols of Transformation

Since the end of the 20th century, Dortmund has been actively transforming, which is reflected in its new architecture. A key symbol of structural changes has become the Dortmunder U—a former Union brewery building constructed in 1927 and converted in 2010 into a centre for arts and creativity. Another landmark project is Phoenix Lake (Phoenix See), created on the site of a closed steel plant. Modern office buildings, residential complexes, and public spaces around the lake demonstrate the city's transition to a "green" economy and a new quality of life.

Distinguished Personalities Linked to Dortmund

Over the centuries, Dortmund has been the birthplace and place of activity for many outstanding individuals who have left their mark on history, culture, science, and sport. Here are some of them:

• Friedrich Arnold Brockhaus (1772–1823): A native of Dortmund who went down in history as the founder of the famous publishing house "F. A. Brockhaus". His main achievement was the publication of the multi-volume "Brockhaus Enzyklopädie", which became one of the most important sources of knowledge in the 19th and 20th centuries and a standard for encyclopaedic publications worldwide.
• Wilhelm Canaris (1887–1945): Born in Aplerbeck (now a district of Dortmund). Admiral and head of the Abwehr—the military intelligence and counter-intelligence service of Germany from 1935 to 1944. He is one of the most controversial and significant figures in 20th-century German military history.
• Heinrich Besseler (1900–1969): An outstanding musicologist born in Dortmund. His research in the field of medieval music and Renaissance music had a huge influence on the development of musicology. He introduced important concepts for the analysis and understanding of early music.
• August "Adi" Preißler (1921–2003): A legendary footballer and captain of "Borussia Dortmund". He is the top scorer in the club's history, having scored 177 goals, and became a symbol of the team's post-war revival, leading it to the first championship titles in its history.
• Ria Baran-Falk (1922–1986): A famous figure skater born in Dortmund. Together with her husband Paul Falk, she became an Olympic champion (1952) and two-time world champion (1951, 1952) in pair skating, suffering no defeats in her amateur career.
• Marco Reus (born 1989): One of the most famous modern footballers in Germany, born and raised in Dortmund. A long-time captain and living legend of the club "Borussia Dortmund", he became a symbol of loyalty to his home city and club for a whole generation of fans.