About Berlin
History
Berlin comes with a very impressive historical background and attracts millions of tourists every year. First documented in the thirteenth century, Berlin was the capital of the “Kingdom of Prussia” (1701-1918), the “German Empire” (1871-1918), and the “Weimar Republic” (1919-1933).
During the period of the “German Empire” the economy boomed and gave rise to many new businesses in the city. Berlin became the empire’s political, economic, and scientific capital. In the years to come, Berlin developed into a very cosmopolitan city. The world first high way (“Autobahn”) was opened and the economy grew and flourished. However, in the 1930´s, Berlin was hit by a great depression. Many people lost their jobs and the “NSDAP” became the strongest political party in the parliament. The year 1933 is ranked as one of the most important of the city. Adolf Hitler became declared Chancellor of the Republic of Germany, which led to the National Socialists taking over and World War II, which finally resulted in the end of democracy in Germany and Berlin.
After World War II in 1945, the city was divided into four sectors and administered jointly by the occupying powers: the USA, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union. East Berlin became the capital of East Germany while West Berlin became a western exclave, surrounded by the “Berlin Wall” from 1961 to 1989. After pressure from the East German population, the wall came down in 1989. Finally on 3rd October 1990, the eastern and western parts of Germany were reunified as the “Federal Republic of Germany”. In 1991, the German Parliament voted to move the German parliament back from Bonn to Berlin and ever since Berlin is the capital of Germany!
Berlin the Capital of Germany
Located in the heart of Europe, Berlin is the Capital of Germany. With a population of approximately 3.4 m it is the country’s largest city. It is 38 km long and 45 km wide and covers an area of 889 square km. The city has a very rich history but also offers the latest in art, architecture and fashion. Berlin is changing constantly and there will always be something new to explore.
Schloss Bellevue
The château has been the seat of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany since 1994. His office building is located in the park behind the main residence. Built in 1786, Schloss Bellevue served as a royal residence.
Schloss Charlottenburg
The largest palace in Berlin. It was built in several stages. The original central part was constructed between 1695 and 1699. Severely damaged during the war, the palace was reconstructed.The splendid interiors like the Eichengallerie, a 1713 gallery lined with oil paintings or the palace's small chapel, the Weisser Saal, the rococo style Goldene Galerie and the Galerie der Romantik, with a collection of works are worth a visit.
Berlin Wall
The wall separated the city in an eastern and western part. Most of the Berlin Wall has been demolished since the border between East and West Berlin opened in 1989.
Reichstag
Seat of the German Parliament which features a glass dome that allows public access to the parliamentary proceedings and offers magnificent views over Berlin.
Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche
The bombed church at Berlin’s most famous shopping boulevard “Kurfürstendamm” symbolizes the destruction of war. Built between 1891 and 1895 by Kaiser Wilhelm II, the church was a symbol of Prussian unity and a mark of honor for his grandfather, Kaiser Wilhem I.
Museum Island (UNESCO world heritage)
Five museums are located on this island in the river Spree of which the Pergamon Museum is the most famous.
Berliner Dom
The Berlin Cathedral, located on the Museum Island, is a baroque cathedral built between 1894 and 1905 under Emperor Wilhelm II as the main Prussian protestant church. It was also the former court cathedral of Prussia´s royal family the Hohenzollern and houses the tombstones of the Hohenzollern dynasty.
Philharmonie
A typical product of the Expressionist movement and of organic architecture, this concert hall in which the audience is seated around the orchestra was worked out in accordance with the laws of acoustics."
Brandenburger Tor
Since the fall of the wall, the Brandenburger Gate has become the symbol of a reunified Berlin. The desolate area that Pariser Platz was during the cold war, is now completely redeveloped and has regained much of its 19th century grandeur.
Nikolaiviertel
One of the oldest historic areas in a small district with narrow streets presenting the oldest church of Berlin.
Siegessäule
A 69 m tall victory column commemorating Prussian victories. The victory column stands at 61.5m high and provides excellent views of Berlin from the center of Tiergarten. The bronze statue of the victory goddess "Viktoria" that stands on top of the victory column was created by Friedrich Drake and weighs 35 tonnes and is 8.3 m high.
Alexanderplatz
Large square featuring the 368 m tall “Fernsehturm” (TV-Tower). At the beginning of the 19th century, the Alexanderplatz was one of the busiest squares in Berlin. Originally a cattle market, it was named in honor of a visit of the Russian Emperor Alexander I to Berlin on 25 October 1805. It gained a prominent role in the late 19th century with the construction of the station of the same name and a nearby public market, becoming a major commercial center
