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Monuments in Berlin
Berlin, a city with a very rich history, features many monuments commemorating various events and figures from the past. The best known monument, even though only small fragments of it have survived to this day is the Berlin Wall, which is the symbol of the fall of communism in Europe. The Brandenburg Gate which used to serve as a passage between the East and the West Berlin, now is above all a major tourist attraction. In its vicinity, a Holocaust Memorial (a labyrinth of concrete plinths) was erected in 2005, after years of disputes between the German and Jewish communities. To take a look at Berlin as a whole, a visit to the Fernsehturm on Alexander Platz is recommended. If the weather is good, you'll see all of Berlin's monuments and attractions, after which you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink in the tower's restaurant.
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AEG Turbinenhalle
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Address: Huttenstrasse 12
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The AEG Turbine Hall is a turbine factory of the German electronic company AEG constructed in 1909. At the time, it was considered one of the most revolutionary projects of the early 20th Century. The enormous steel-and-glass construction is the work of the architect Peter Behrens, who went down in history as the father of the modern industrial design. He authored many other influential projects, but the Turbine Hall is believed to be the most important. Other prominent turn-of-the-century artists, such as Walter Gropius and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, also contributed to the appearance of the building. With enormous glass windows disclosing the interior and exposed steel supporting construction, the Turbine Hall openly celebrates its industrial purpose.
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Alte Bibliothek
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Address: Bebelplatz (Unter den Linden)
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The magnificent building of Alte Bibliothek is a former royal library. The elegant Baroque structure is affectionately referred to among the locals as the Commode, owing to the building’s curious shape, resembling an antique chest of drawers. Much more flattering is the comparison to the most impressive examples of Viennese architecture. The design of Alte Bibliothek was inspired by the plans of the Hofburg Palace in the Austrian capital. Paradoxically, as works on the royal library progressed much faster than works on the palace, the copy was completed faster than the original. Alte Bibliothek is a fine combination of Prussian grandiosity and accurateness with the unique Viennese flair. Severely damaged in World War II, Alte Bibliothek was carefully rebuilt and reopened in 1969. it now serves as a lecture hall of the Humboldt University.
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Anhalter Bahnhof
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Address: Stresemannstrasse / Anhalterstrasse
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Anhalter Bahnhof was once the largest and most beautiful railway station in Berlin, and among the largest in Europe. Severely destroyed during the World War II bombings, it was never reconstructed, and the greater part of the ruins was blown up. Today, only the sad facade of the building stands to bear testimony to the station’s grand past. It’s also one of the most powerful reminders of the dramatic events of the World War II.
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Archenhold-Sternwarte
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Address: Alt-Treptow 1
Phone: +49 30 421 84 50
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Website: http://www.astw.de
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Archenhold-Sternwarte is an astronomical observatory of immense importance in the history of science. It was established in the last years of the 19th Century, in the heyday of astronomy. Among its top attractions is the world’s largest telescope, a 21-metre giant constructed by Friedrich Simon Archenhold, after whom the institution received its name. In 1915, Archenhold-Sternwarte saw the first public lecture of Albert Einstein on the theory of relativity. Today, the observatory holds two fascinating exhibitions on the history of astronomy and the instruments used for astronomical exploration.
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Bierpinsel
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Address: Schlossstrasse/Schildhornstrasse
Phone: +49 30 790 83 80
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The Restaurant Tower in Steglitz, also known as Bierpinsel, catches the eye with its curious shape. The bright red structure is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the district. Resembling a bridge of an aircraft carrier, it rises up above the junction of the city motorway with Schlossstraße, one of the busiest shopping areas of the German capital. The Restaurant Tower was constructed in the 1970s by the same team of architects who created the famous ultra-modern International Conference Centre (ICC). The purpose of the tower is disclosed by its very name; it holds primarily restaurants, and the topmost floors allow wonderful views of the bustling street below.
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Brandenburg Gate
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Address: Am Pariser Platz
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Erected in 1791, the Brandenburg Gate was one of the German capital’s 14 original city gates. Today, the only evidence of the others’ existence are the names of metro stations, such as Schlesisches Tor and Kottbusser Tor. The design of the Brandenburger Tor was inspired by the Acropolis in Athens. The famous statue on top of the gate is Victoria, the goddess of triumph riding atop a four-horsed chariot. It was crafted by the sculptor Gottfried Schadow. In 1806, the sculpture was taken to Paris by Napoleon’s troops as a war trophy only to be returned to Berlin after the ultimate war defeat of the French.
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Checkpoint Charlie
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Address: Friedrichstrasse/Kochstrasse
Phone: +49 30 253 72 50
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Checkpoint Charlie is the ultimate symbol of the Cold War and the division it established in Europe and the entire world for nearly four decades. It was part of the security system operating along the Berlin Wall. Today, this former border crossing is often the first spot that tourists visiting the wall head for. What they can see today is a replica of a watchtower from the early years of the Berlin Wall as well as the legendary signpost with the words: “You are now leaving the American sector.” The original construction of Checkpoint Charlie was demolished after the fall of the wall.
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King Friedrich II of Prussia Monument
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Address: Unter der Linden, Mitte
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The monument of King Friedrich II of Prussia (1712-86) stands at the end of Forum Fridericianum, marking the beginning of the boulevard of Unter den Linden. The monument forms part of what is known as Via Triumphalis, stretching from the victory arch of Brandenburg Gate to the Berlin Castle. Monuments along this route have been added by several generations of artists since the 18th Century. The statue of King Friedrich II was erected in 1851 and is one of the best known works of Christian Daniel Rauch. It significantly contributed to the later style of royal monuments.
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