Berlin - Places to Visit
Brandenburger Tor
The Brandenburger Tor, or the Brandenburg gate as it is known in English, is the only remaining city gate in Berlin and is an iconic symbol of the city. Built in the 18th century the imposing sandstone construction was based on the design of the propylaeum of the Acropolis in Athens. When the Berlin Wall came down in 1989 the Brandenburger Tor was closely associated with the re-unification of the city and has been seen as a symbol of peace ever since.
top ↑Schloss Charlottenburg
The grandest palace in Berlin, the Schloss Charlottenburg was commissioned in 1695 as a summer residence for the wife of Elector Friedrich III., Sophie Charlotte. The beautiful building was completed in 1699 and further additions and renovations have occurred since then both externally and internally. The royal rooms of the palace are open to visitors, with the palace’s large collection of Chinese porcelain on display.
top ↑Berlin Wall
Although the Berlin Wall came down in 1989 during the political revolutions of the time, there are still areas where the wall remains. One of the most famous symbols of Berlin, visitors to the city can see the remains of what was once the cause of much unrest by following the Berlin Wall Trail. The trail can be followed on foot or by bike and there is an official GPS tour guide that provides information and history on each area visited.
top ↑Museum Island
An island in the Spree River in Berlin is home to five of the city’s most celebrated museums. Named as a UNESCO world heritage site Museum Island is at the heart of culture in Berlin. The five museums house collections from Ancient Egypt to the antique collection of the Berlin State Museums as well as exhibitions of art and sculpture dating back to as early as the fourth century. A must see for anyone interested in history and culture the buildings themselves attract admirers for their grand architecture.
top ↑DZ Bank Building
Located in the centre of Berlin next to the Brandenburg Gate is the DZ Bank Building. Designed by the famous American architect Frank Gehry, the building is one of Berlin’s most unusual modern mixed-use buildings. Completed in 2000 the building contains one of the architect’s signature pieces; a huge titanium morphing form.
top ↑Neue Nationalgalerie
A museum for contemporary German art, the Neue Nationalgalerie is a stunning construction of glass and steel which houses a collection of 20th century masterpieces. Included in the collection are works from the Cubism, Surrealism, Expressionism and Bauhaus movements, with works from artists such as Picasso, Dalí and Kirchner. Due to the restrictive size of the gallery the collection is rotated regularly.
top ↑Reichstag
Originally built to house the German Parliament the Reichstag fell into disrepair following a fire during the Second World War. One of Berlin’s most historical landmarks its past reflects the country’s turbulent history. The imposing building was rebuilt in the 1960’s but was not fully restored until the late 1990’s when the beautiful glass dome was constructed. Home once again to the German parliament the building attracts thousands of visitors each year.
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