Beginning his career as a bricklayer and carpenter, Hermann Giesler emerged as one of the two primary architects favored by the Nazi regime. He combined professional training from the Technical University of Munich with early political commitment, securing influential commissions that ranged from district building projects in Sonthofen to large-scale urban reorganization plans for the cities of Munich and Linz.
Early Career and Education
Born in 1898 in Siegen, Giesler served in the Imperial German Army during the First World War from 1915 until 1918. Following the conflict, he gained practical experience as a metalworker before pursuing formal architectural studies at the Academy for Applied Arts in Munich and the Technical University of Munich. By 1930, he had established himself as an independent practitioner, eventually ascending to a professorship in 1937.
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Giesler joined the Nazi Party in 1931, holding membership number 622,515. His administrative influence expanded significantly in 1938 when he was appointed General Building Inspector for Munich. He later became a prominent figure within the Organisation Todt, directing the Einsatzgruppe VI in Bavaria and the Danube districts. He served as a member of the Reichstag and held the rank of SA-Brigadeführer.
Major Projects and Architectural Influence
His portfolio included the Ordensburg in Sonthofen and the restoration of the 400-year-old Hotel Elephant in Weimar. In 1941, he took over the reorganization plans for Linz. During the final years of the war, he directed the construction of Weingut I, an underground armaments facility constructed utilizing forced labor from concentration camp prisoners. In 1944, he was officially designated one of the most important artists in the Reich on the Gottbegnadeten list.
Post-war Imprisonment and Later Life
Following the collapse of the Nazi state, Giesler was arrested by U.S. forces in 1945. In 1947, a U.S. military court convicted him for war crimes related to the Mühldorf concentration camp. Although initially sentenced to life imprisonment, his term was commuted multiple times, leading to his release in 1952. He subsequently settled in Düsseldorf, where he worked as an author and architect until his death in 1987. He remained committed to his earlier political affiliations throughout his remaining years.
Fast facts
- Born: 1898, Siegen
- Died: 1987, Düsseldorf
- Education: Technical University of Munich
- Political membership: Nazi Party (Number 622,515)
- Military rank: SA-Brigadeführer
- Key projects: Ordensburg Sonthofen, Hotel Elephant restoration
- Post-war residence: Düsseldorf
Questions readers ask
What books did Hermann Giesler write?
He wrote a personal memoir titled Ein anderer Hitler (Another Hitler) regarding his relationship with the dictator, along with other autobiographical writings.
Was Hermann Giesler ever imprisoned?
Yes, he was convicted of war crimes in 1947 for his involvement at the Mühldorf concentration camp and served a sentence until his release in 1952.
Achievements
- Trained at Technical University of Munich
