El ícono más famoso de Alemania no es tan grande como muchos esperan, pero tiene una historia rica y fascinante. Construida en 1791, la Puerta de Brandeburgo fue hecha a semejanza de la entrada a la Acrópolis en Atenas. La estatua de la Cuadriga que corona la Puerta, diseñada por el escultor Gottfried Schadow, representa a Victoria, la diosa de la paz, sobre una carroza tirada por cuatro caballos. Esta era una de las 14 puertas originales de Berlín, pero lo único que queda de las otras son los nombres de algunas estaciones de subterráneo, como Kottbusser Tor y Schlesisches Tor. La Puerta de Brandeburgo y Pariser Platz han presenciado numerosos eventos históricos turbulentos. En el ala sur encontrarán una oficina de información turística.
Cuando pensamos en Berlín la primera palabra que nos viene a la mente probablemente sea muro. Sin embargo, después de que lo derribaron, del Muro de Berlín no quedó mucho. El segmento más largo del Muro que aún se mantiene en pie mide unos 1,3 kilómetros y corre paralelo al Río Spree entre Kreuzberg al Oeste y Friedrichshain al Este. En los meses que siguieron a la caída el muro en 1989, 118 artistas de todas partes del mundo se reunieron para rendir homenaje. El resultado es una galería de arte a cielo abierto en la que se exhiben un sinfín de obras coloridas y creativas, algunas satíricas, otras impactantes y otras enigmáticas. Una parte importante del patrimonio cultural de Berlín, este emblema es una de las galerías a cielo abierto más grandes del mundo entero.
Muchos la recuerdan del film de 1987 "Alas de Deseo" de Wim Wenders, pero la vista desde la cima de la Columna de la Victoria, de unos 69 metros de altura, hace que valga la pena haber subido los 285 escalones. Construida en 1873 para conmemorar las victorias militares de Prusia contra Dinamarca, Austria y Francia, la Columna de la Victoria originalmente se encontraba frente al Reichstag, pero fue trasladada a su ubicación actual en el centro del Tiergarten a pedido del Tercer Reich en 1938. La estatua dorada de la Diosa de la Victoria puede verse desde todas partes de la ciudad y es uno de los emblemas más llamativos de Berlín.
Tras la caida del Muro de Berlín en 1989, Potsdamer Platz pasó de ser un desierto a uno de los más grandes sitios de construcción de toda Europa, ya que los planeadores urbanos trabajaron arduamente para construir una ciudad ultramoderna en el centro de la Berlín unificada. Los únicos restos de la vieja Potsdamer Platz son la histórica Haus Huth y el majestuoso salón de baile del Hotel Esplanade, que ha sido audazmente incorporado al Sony Center. Aproximadamente la mitad de la zona está compuesta por edificios de oficinas; el resto está dividido entre complejos de entretenimiento como el IMAX y el fantástico centro comercial..
Strolling through the windswept square between the TV Tower, the Town Hall and the Palast der Republik, you may unexpectedly stumble across an exquisite baroque fountain known as the Neptunbrunnen (Neptune Fountain). Built a hundred years ago and severely damaged during the World War II, it was removed from its original site close to the former Royal Palace, thoroughly restored and then re-erected at Alexanderplatz. Surrounded by faceless socialist architecture, the intricate fountain seems slightly out of place here, yet this simply adds to its fascination.
The Soviet War Memorial (Tiergarten) is one of Germany's most visited war memorials. Located in Berlin, Germany's capital city, this war memorial was built to honor the martyred soldiers belonging to Soviet Armed Forces. Construction of this structure was completed in the year 1945. This memorial remembers those who laid down their lives in the Battle of Berlin fought in 1945. In close proximity to the Reichstag, it is now frequented by visitors from across the world.
Galerie Son contributes to a cross-cultural art dialogue, especially between Europe and Asia. This gallery aims to show art to the public since they believe that art has a universal global power. They also host special events.
New Chambers was built for Prussia's King Frederick the Great between 1771 and 1775. An orangery built at this site in the year 1745 was replaced by New Chambers. New Chambers is designed by Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff. The structure is found towards the west end of the massive Sanssouci Palace and well complements the Picture Gallery to its east. New Chambers is an excellent example of Frederican Rococo's late architectural style. His style came as a breath of fresh air during a time when Classical architectural style was dominating the scene.
The Ziegeleisee lake in northern Berlin is a popular outdoor recreation spot among locals for its clear waters, beautiful natural surroundings and white sandy beaches. It is an ideal place for a nice summer swim, boating or simply lazing around in the sun. Mowed lawns with large shady trees provide peaceful picnic spots for families while youngsters can enjoy a game of beach volleyball, soccer or table tennis in the recreation center on the beach. Snacks and drinks are available at stalls and cafes near the lakes.
Located within the Neuen Garten, this Orangerie is a masterpiece of sculpture. Dating back to 1791, this 86 meter long structure reflects Egyptian art and culture on its facade.
Berlin 1939-1945 Commonwealth Cemetery was founded in the year 1945. It was the central resting place for prisoners of war and aircrew who laid down their lives in East Germany and Berlin region. Nearly 80 percent of the prisoners of war are buried at Berlin 1939-1945 Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery. These were mostly aircrew who died in air raids conducted over Berlin city as well as towns of eastern Germany. This cemetery contains nearly 3595 Commonwealth war burials from World War II. Out of these, 397 could not be identified. Berlin 1939-1945 Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery is under the aegis of the British Crown and thus, it is a part of the United Kingdom's territory.
Ehemaliges Staatsratsgebäude am Schlossplatz or the Former Council of State building on Schloßplatz was one of the first buildings to be constructed in Berlin after the end of World War II. It was then used for various political events and diplomatic receptions. Today, the building is the address of the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) but still carries the beautiful stained art work of Womacka and the mosaic of the GDR state emblem.