The Goerke House

The Goerke House is a colonial building merging Art Nouveau elements with African themes in the Namibian port city of Luderitz. It is one of the most famous historical sites in Namibia and is on the list of National Monuments in the country.

From October 1909 to September 1910, it was built to the designs of architect Otto Ertl as the home of Lieutenant Hans Goerke, who arrived in Swakopmund with the German Schutztruppe in 1904 and became head of the Emiliental diamond company in Luderitz in late 1909 after his service. In 1912, he returned to Germany.

In 1920, the diamond company Consolidated Diamond Mines of South West Africa (CDM) acquired the building. In 1944, this company sold it in turn to the South African Mandate Administration of South West Africa, which set up living space for the local judge (Drostdy) there. In 1981, the city government was moved to Keetmanshoop. In 1983, the CDM, which has been called NAMDEB (Namibia Diamond Corporation) since late 1994, bought the building back, renovated it and has since used it as a guest house.

The Goerke House is not far from the Felsenkirche on the Diamantberg above the city. The sundial on the tower, half-timbering, bay windows, decorations and carved wooden balconies characterize the facade. Note the welcoming inscriptions on the wooden front door and the entrance hall wall. As you climb the wooden staircase, you will come across an impressive stained-glass window with flamingo motifs characterizing the interior. The oak furniture, however, is no longer original. Although the original furnishings are mostly gone, the house has been carefully restored and the display of old photographs helps preserve the memory of the house as it once was.

Location: Luderitz