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Berlin, a city that until November 1989 was divided by the politics of the Cold War, encapsulates 20th century European history. But with a
 The Berlin Wall |
Pariser Platz Mühlenstraße / Niederkirchnerstraße / Bernauer Straße Berlin, Berlin Germany +49 (0)30 25 0025 (Touristen Information) http://www.die-berliner-mauer.de/ |
Anyone visiting Berlin today would find it hard to imagine that this vibrant and cosmopolitan city was until only recently divided: through its heart ran a wall made of concrete and barbed wire, patrolled by armed guards and protected by a heavily mined death-strip. Erected on 13 August 1961 to halt the outflow of disaffected East German workers, the Wall broke up families and friendships, divided Germany and split Europe in two for nearly three decades. Over 200 people died in (often ingenious) escape attempts. No one will forget the night of 9 November 1989 when the Wall came crashing down. A peaceful revolution put paid to the bankrupt East German regime and Berliners from East and West met in their hundreds of thousands to dance on top of the Wall and celebrate the end of division. In the months following its fall, the Wall was bulldozed to the ground and the land where it stood auctioned off to the highest bidder. Not much of the original Wall is left today, with only one or two sections saved as a permanent reminder of the past. The longest and most impressive stretch can be seen at the East Side Gallery, while another section—this time full of chisel holes and graffiti—runs along Niederkirchner Straße just south of Potsdamer Platz. Hoards of tourists still flock to Checkpoint Charlie, but there is not much left to see except a gripping exhibition at Haus am Checkpoint Charlie. The Wall Memorial on Bernauer Straße is well worth a visit, while a more sombre moment could be spent contemplating the line of white crosses on Ebertstraße behind the Reichstag, dedicated to all those who died trying to flee East German tyranny. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: kai|kre |
 Photo: Jörn Kämper |
 Photo: Ng Siu Tung |
 Photo: Josh Gardner  |
 Photo: Harald Szekely |
 Photo: хdrei |
 Photo: Jorge González |
 Photo: Natasha Fallahi |
 Photo: Paul Olynciw |
 Photo: Rolf Ruessmann |
 Photo: gill4kleuren |
 Photo: dragov |
 Photo: brokenwatch |
 Photo: Bob Butcher |
 Photo: SilkeS |
 Photo: Green Chameleon |
 Photo: dididumm |
 Photo: EyeQ78 |
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The Brandenburg Gate: symbol of freedom |
Am Pariser Platz Berlin, Berlin 10117 Germany +49 (0)30 25 0025 (Touristen Information) |
Germany's most recognisable symbol is not as large as many visitors expect, yet its history is rich and fascinating. Built in 1791, the Brandenburg Gate was modelled on the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens. The Quadriga statue on top of the Gate—designed by sculptor Gottfried Schadow—represents Victoria, the Goddess of Peace, riding a four-horse chariot. This was one of Berlin's original 14 city gates, yet the only remaining evidence of the other gates are the names of underground stations such as Kottbusser Tor and Schlesisches Tor. The Brandenburg Gate and Pariser Platz have played centre stage to numerous turbulent historical events. In 1806 Napoleonic troops took the Quadriga statue back to Paris as a war trophy, only to have it returned to Berlin when the French lost the war. And during the Nazi era Pariser Platz was the Nazis' favourite backdrop for torch-lit processions and military parades. The Gate sustained heavy damage during World War II and was restored in the 1950s. After the Berlin Wall was erected in 1961, the Brandenburg Gate became inaccessible to the citizens of both Germanys and came to be regarded as the symbol of Cold War divisions. When the Wall fell on 9 November 1989, hundreds of thousands flocked here to celebrate the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new world order. The north wing of the Gate houses a 'quiet room' where visitors are invited to sit and contemplate in peace. The south wing houses a tourist information office (10a-6p Monday-Sunday). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Scott Breckenridge |
 Photo: Torsten Mangner |
 Photo: Noah Veltman |
 Photo: Daniella Fergusson |
 Photo: Dietrich Bojko |
 Photo: Mirthe |
 Photo: John Noël Dillon |
 Photo: Dean Ayres |
 Photo: Peter Thomas |
 Photo: Jeremy Bower |
 Photo: Saurabh Abhyankar |
 Photo: Craig Elliott |
 Photo: holojames |
 Photo: Thomas Vander Wal |
 Photo: Owen Singleton |
 Photo: Andrew Mason |
 Photo: Karsten Suehring |
 Photo: Pierre Omidyar |
 Photo: Josh Gardner |
 Photo: Pierre Omidyar |
 Photo: Renee Yang |
 Photo: wiseguy71 |
 Avant-garde and pop art |
Sophienstraße 21 Berlin, Berlin 10178 Germany +49 (0)30 28 87 787 0 http://www.cfa-berlin.de gallery@cfa-berlin.com |
The Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery (previously known as Bruno Brunnet Fine Arts) has occupied a studio in the Sophien-Gips-Höfe in Mitte since 1996. Artists who have exhibited here over the years include Maike Abetz, Oliver Drescher, Thomas Riff, Blixa Bargeld, Sarah Lucas, Jonathan Meese and Raymond Pettibon. All of these are contemporary artists whose work reflects avant-garde themes as well as the influence of pop culture. Pleasantly situated between two Hinterhöfe (courtyards found in many of Berlin's older buildings), you can sit in one of the outdoor cafés after your visit and enjoy watching the world go by. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Memorial for Murdered Jews of Europe |
Cora-Berliner-Straße 1 Berlin, Berlin 10117 Germany +49 (0)30 200 7660 / +49 (0)30 2639 4336 http://www.holocaust-mahnmal.d... info@stiftung-denkmal.de |
Sixty years after World War II, the city of Berlin unveiled its monument to the Jewish victims of the crimes of the Third Reich. An international symbol of German atrocities, this controversial Holocaust memorial, located next to the Brandenburger Tor and near the buried remains of Hitler's undergeround bunker, was more than 15 years in the making. Designed by U.S. architect Peter Eisenman, the memorial's grid of 2,711 gray concrete slabs covers a vast area in the heart of Berlin. The slabs, or stelae, stand at varied heights of up to 15 feet, creating the sense of a stark concrete forest, through which visitors can wander on uneven cobblestone pathways. The memorial has sparked fierce discussion and controversy. Critcs argue that the abstract design and the failure to acknowledge the Third Reich's other, non-Jewish victims might alienate visitors to the multi-million dollar project. Regardless, this memorial definitely deserves a visit. An underground visitor center (Ort der Information) offers background information, admission is free of charge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kelly Nicoll |
 Photo: mattcarman |
 Photo: Peter Kroonen |
 Photo: Norman Grande |
 Photo: mattcarman |
 Photo: Stephan Hügel |
 Photo: duncan c |
 Photo: Luca Terracciano |
 Photo: Lothann Dohanec |
 Photo: Iain Mullan |
 Photo: Brad Hunter |
 Photo: moggsy |
 Photo: Corrie G |
 Photo: Markus Irmen |
 Photo: Tom McLaughlan |
 Photo: Michael Müller |
 Photo: IG Campbell |
 Photo: Justin Crighton |
 Photo: Alan Koeninger |
 Photo: Yagolin |
 Photo: Jenny Ogden |
 Photo: Stephane Bieganski |
 Photo: Markus Maier |
 Photo: Nick_Newbury |
 Photo: Pegefingeren |
 Photo: Pouria M |
 Photo: g7adf |
 Photo: Rizki Permana |
 Photo: nigel_xf |
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The pregnant oyster |
John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10 Berlin, Berlin 10557 Germany +49 (0)30 39 7870 http://www.hkw.de info@hkw.de |
Built in 1957 as the American pavillion for the International Exhibition of Construction and Design, the building fondly known by Berliners as the "pregnant oyster" (because of its curiously-shaped roof) is today home to the House of World Cultures. The building was used as a congress centre for many years, yet when the roof collapsed in 1980, its future was more than uncertain. Eventually, however, it was rebuilt for Berlin's 750th anniversary celebrations and today serves as a centre for ethnic art and culture with regular exhibitions, concerts, congresses and theatre performances. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Francesco Dazzi |
 Photo: Namitha Jagadeesh |
 Photo: holger doelle |
 Photo: Frankinho |
 Photo: Anabel Fernandez de la Rosa |
 Photo: Gertrud Kanu |
 Photo: Hannah Fouasnon |
 Photo: Ross Kirby |
 Photo: jamessmke |
 Photo: jamessmke |
 Photo: Tanmoy Das |
 Photo: Andrés González |
 Photo: Traveling Penguin |
 Photo: danredican |
 Photo: Paul Kersbergen |
 Photo: jános |
 Photo: Thomas Grimme |
 Photo: timopfahl |
 Photo: Chris Isaacson |
 Photo: Les Snorkliz |
 Photo: Barry Richards |
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Germany's old and new parliament |
Platz der Republik 1 Berlin, Berlin 11011 Germany +49 (0)30 2270 http://www.bundestag.de/ besucherdienst@bundestag.de |
The imposing Reichstag reflects Germany's past, present and future like no other building. It was constructed in 1884-94 as the parliament for Bismarck's German Empire and has seen decades of German history. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 work began to return the building to its original purpose with a glass dome added by British architect Sir Norman Foster. Visitors can now climb up to the dome and there is a panorama terrace, a photographic exhibition recounting the Reichstag's turbulent history and a rooftop restaurant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Torsten Mangner |
 Photo: Schwarzer Kater |
 Photo: Torsten Mangner |
 Photo: Dirk Lingstädt |
 Photo: Stefan Schäfer |
 Photo: Manu+Claude |
 Photo: der Willy |
 Photo: Dana Yobst |
 Photo: De Witt's |
 Photo: K. Panasupon |
 Photo: Mishkabear |
 Photo: Constanze Borchert |
 Photo: Elke Massmann |
 Photo: japaneserobert |
 Photo: Julie Kilminster |
 Photo: Nicole & Heiko |
 Photo: Tommi Seppälä |
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The heart of new Berlin |
Potsdamer Straße Berlin, Berlin 10785 Germany +49 (0)30 25 0025 (Touristen Information) http://www.potsdamer-platz.net/ |
After the fall of the Wall in 1989, Potsdamer Platz turned from a deserted wasteland into Europe's biggest building site as urban planners worked to create an ultra-modern city centre in the middle of a reunited Berlin. The only remnants of old Potsdamer Platz are the historic Haus Huth and the majestic Hotel Esplanade ballroom, which has been cleverly incorporated into the Sony Center. Approximately half of the area contains offices; the rest is divided between entertainment complexes like the Imax and a fantastic shopping mall. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Robert Guerra |
 Photo: Nils Sandin |
 Photo: Nils Sandin |
 Photo: Kimmikers |
 Photo: Globox |
 Photo: joza243 |
 Photo: Robert Marschelewski |
 Photo: Roland Preussmann |
 Photo: ianphotoblog |
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Big Brother is watching you! |
Panoramastraße 1A Alexanderplatz Berlin, Berlin 10178 Germany +49 (0)30 242 3333 http://www.berlinerfernsehturm... info@berlinerfernsehturm.de |
Located on Alexanderplatz in the heart of eastern Berlin, this 1960s structure towers over the whole city. Built by communist authorities at the height of the Cold War, West Berliners cheekily christened the TV Tower 'the Pope's revenge' because of the sparkling cross which appears on the pinnacle of the tower when the sun shines on it. Although regarded by many as an eyesore, the views from the top are hard to beat. The revolving Telecafé at 207m is a pleasant spot to stop for a coffee and a sedate gaze over the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Francesco Dazzi |
 Photo: Francesco Dazzi |
 Photo: Marco Bartel |
 Photo: Marco Bartel |
 Photo: Linus Gelber |
 Photo: Kenta Yamasaki |
 Photo: Tara Neier |
 Photo: Torsten Mangner |
 Photo: Nath el Biya |
 Photo: Bettina Dahl |
 Photo: Talal Nahas |
 Photo: roweeena |
 Photo: Andreas Lienig |
 Photo: Irene Brand |
 Photo: Christoph F@ust |
 Photo: Michael Bolger |
 Photo: Maria Fernanda |
 Photo: whocaresz |
 Photo: Norman C. Brannon |
 Photo: Marcos Prack |
 Photo: jacobssalon |
 Photo: TRAALLE = PathFinder |
 Photo: rykerstribe |
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Baroque masterpiece |
Unter den Linden 2 Berlin, Berlin 10117 Germany +49 (0)30 2 0304 x444 / +49 (0)30 2 0304 x0 http://www.dhm.de/ausstellunge... webadmin@dhm.de |
The Zeughaus began life as a military arsenal - and an impressive arsenal it is too. More like a palace than an arms depot, the magnificent baroque building, located opposite the former Royal Palace on the banks of the River Spree, has been recently restored and now exudes all of its former splendour. Built around 1700, the palatial Zeughaus is one of the oldest buildings on Unter den Linden and is therefore the perfect location for the National History Museum which it now houses. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gertrud Kanu |
 Photo: SGPlewka |
 Photo: SGPlewka |
 Photo: Marco Bartel |
 Photo: Carlos de Vega |
 Photo: Craig Elliott |
 Photo: Marco Bartel |
 Photo: Alexander Hüsing |
 Photo: Sebastian Niedlich |
 Photo: la wendu |
 Photo: cyprian.pl |
 Photo: Holger Maier |
 Photo: Wolfgang Gottschalk |
 Photo: Arlett Albrecht |
 Photo: pietbron |
 Photo: Andy Cavin |
 Photo: Schlawi |
 Photo: moppet65535 |
 Photo: Paul J. Roberts |
 Photo: Michael Marx |
 Photo: Franziska Flemming |