The area's streets are named after "Hansa cities"; cities that were part of the
Hanseatic League, a trading network established in the
Middle Ages.
Hansaplatz, the central square, has a small shopping arcade, a library and the
Grips-Theater.
Hansaplatz subway station was built in 1957, though the
U9 line did not open until 1961. Some
Gründerzeit buildings remained north of the
Stadtbahn railway. Altonaer Straße, named after the
Altona district in Hamburg, leads to the
Victory Column.
Bellevue Palace, the residence of the
German president is nearby. ==Hansaplatz==