This neo-baroque complex in Berlin is considered the largest criminal court in Europe – the case of “The Trial of the Captain of Köpenick”, one of the most famous scandals in German history, took place here

Berlin is full of impressive monuments and buildings where you can immerse yourself in the city’s history. It’s not just Berlin’s famous nightclubs that inspire with unusual locations – for example in a former thermal power station or in a labyrinth in an old apartment building. The city’s gastronomy also holds unique gems: from restaurants in the former communications center of the German Reich to places where Charlie Chaplin and Greta Garbo once frequented. And let’s not forget Berlin’s historic courthouses, which are still in use today and are known worldwide for their architecture and centuries of history. One of the most magnificent and imposing judicial buildings in Europe is the Moabit Criminal Court in Berlin-Mitte.

The Moabit Criminal Court is a neo-baroque building complex that was built between 1902 and 1906. Its monumental façade, the two high towers and the spacious interior are particularly impressive. The breathtaking entrance hall is an architectural highlight: with a height of around 29 meters and an area of around 40 × 27 meters , the room has an almost sacred feel and immediately captivates visitors. Sculptures and figures throughout the building represent allegories such as justice, truth and litigiousness – the language of justice is also made visible here architecturally. When it was completed, the Moabit Criminal Court was considered one of the most modern buildings in Berlin. It was the first electrically lit court building in the city and had its own power supply, elevators, a ventilation system and hidden paths for defendants. Today, the complex is a listed building and is also a fully functional court with numerous courtrooms and historic corridors.

Probably the most important case associated with the Moabit Criminal Court is “The Trial of the Captain of Köpenick”. It is considered one of the most famous criminal trials in German legal history. The “Captain of Köpenick” was actually the cobbler Friedrich Wilhelm Voigt (1849-1922), who became world-famous for a spectacular fraud. Wearing a Prussian captain’s uniform, he took advantage of the blind authority given to officers: He stopped soldiers on the street, took over their command and had them follow him. With this troop he marched to Köpenick, occupied the town hall, arrested the mayor and an official and confiscated over 400 marks from the town treasury – all in the name of the Emperor. Voigt was arrested around ten days after the crime. The trial took place before the Berlin II district court, which was part of the Berlin judiciary, whose criminal jurisdiction was anchored in the Moabit criminal court. Voigt was sentenced to five years in prison for fraud, usurpation of authority and forgery of documents.

Does this exciting story make you want to become part of a courtroom drama yourself – to hear witness testimony and analyze evidence? This live theater experience awaits you at The Jury Experience – immerse yourself in heated hearings and experience justice up close!