Rote Insel

Rote Insel (literally, Red Island) is the name colloquially given to a neighborhood in the Schöneberg district of the German capital, Berlin.

As the Island survived the allied air raids during World War II virtually intact, it has managed to maintain much of its distinctive flavor.

The neighborhood is populated by residents from varied ethnic backgrounds, with an unobtrusive Bohème charm, but lacking the mannerisms typical of the "hipper" quarters of post-reunification Berlin.

The best known person from the neighborhood is Marlene Dietrich, who was born in Leberstrasse 65 (then called Sedanstrasse) on December 27, 1901.

Alfred Lion, the co-founder of the American Blue Note jazz record label, was also born in the neighborhood.