Berlin sights

Berlin, a capital of Germany, a city with the long and full of events history has a lot of interesting places to visit. Now the most of the places attracting tourists are connected with not-so-distant past - the Third Reich, the division of Berlin and its reunion. The matter is that during World War II many ancient monuments were destroyed by the aviation of the allies. Many architectural must-sees are the reminders of the painful pages in Berlin history, but may be it will help to refrain from repetition of these tragedies.

Bradenburger Tor (Bradenburg Gates)

Triumph Arch in the heart of Berlin built in 1791. The creators were inspired by Parthenon in Athens. Its height is 26 meters, length is 65,5 meters and thickness is 11 meters. During its two centuries of history Bradenburger Tor witnessed many of the historical events. In 1930-s it was a place for Nazis torchlight processions and after the erection of Berlin Wall found itself on GDR territory. In 1961 the gates were set into Berlin wall and were opened once again only in 1989.

Berlin Wall

A symbol of the division of the city, this wall was built in the august of 1961 and sparated Berlin into two parts - Western and Eastern. It was 161 km in length. Now only its remains remind Berlin citizens and tourists of its sad page in city history. You can see them on Potsdamer Platz, along Niederkirchner Strasse, on Bernauer Strasse and near the former checkpoint Charlie. Now this checkpoint houses a museum devoted to Berlin wall.

Schloss Charlottenburg (Charlottenburg Castle)

Schloss Charlottenburg is one of the most refined examples of baroque style architecture. Originally it was a summer residence of the queen, but later became a magnificent castle we can see now. The main entrance is adorned with the statue of Fortune. The main wing is occupied by the apartments of king Fredrick. To the East of the castle there is a summer house ((Schinkel Pavillon) with a museum.

Reichstag

The seat of the German Parliament was opened in 1894. In 1933 it was set on the fire by the Nazis. The aim was to blame German Communists. In the end of World War II, during the battle for Berlin it was burnt for the second time. The building was restored only by 1970s. In 1990 here were carried put the Constituent Assembly of the reunited Germany. If you come through the western gates and climb to the dome, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the German capital.

Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz, Alexander Square named after the Russian tsar Alexander I, who visited Berlin in 1805, is still the centre of the city. It is also called "Alex". The most of the structures on the square were completely destroyed during World War II. Now the most remarkable construction here is television tower 368 height. Raised in 1969 it has become a symbol of the Eastern Berlin. In 1969 two more monuments were added to the square, the Weltzeituhr (World Time Clock) by Erich John and the Fountain of International Friendship