When you think of Berlin, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Berlin Wall - without question is the first thing we think. That is Berlin, but if that is all you see, you have missed so much. Here are some of the exciting things you can do in this historic city.
1. The Berlin Wall constructed in 1961 divided the city into the East and West. It even separated families. Between 1961 and 1989 over 5,000 people tried to escape through or over the wall and over 100 died in their attempt. Barbed wire and barriers stretching 97 miles surrounded three Western sections and 27 miles of barrier divided East and West Berlin. In 1963, President Kennedy gave his Ich bin ein Berliner speech. In 1987, President Reagan challenged Michael Gorbachev to "tear down this wall." We all know the results of these speeches. Today only a small part of the wall remains as a memorial.
2. The Brandenburg Gate was built in the 18th century and served as one of the city's main gates. Today is the symbol of Berlin standing to maintain independence and probably the most celebrated icon in Germany.
3. The Reichstag was built in 1894 and housed the Diet (government) until 1933 when it was damaged by fire. The building fell into disrepair, and the East German government (volkskammer) held their meetings in East Berlin while the West German government (Bundestag) met in Bonn. After the reunification of East and West Germany the building was restored in 1999, and today is the location of the unified government, the Bundestag.
4. Berlin Island is the location of five leading museums. The Altes Museum (Old Museum) features artifacts from the Greek and Roman period, The Neues Museum (New Museum) features artifacts and papyrus from the Egypt Museum, The Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) features works of Classicism, Romanticism, the Biedermeier era, Impressionism and early Modernism., The Bode Museum, features Byzantine art, coins a
nd medals, and the Pergamon Museum, featuring Greek and Roman art, pottery and sculpture.
5. The German Historical Museum features the history of Germany and of Europe. It is a terrific museum of culture filled with historical artifacts.
6. The Berlin Zoological Garden covers 84 acres with over 1,500 species of 19,500 different animals. It is said to contain the most significant collection of animals in the world. After visiting this vast array of animals, you can sit down to a delightful lunch at the Zoo Café and see the lovely gift shop and take home souvenirs of this magnificent zoo.
After each article I finish, I always regret that I could not include more of the exciting places there are to see in this magnificent city. Please allow several days when you visit.
- Berlin Wall
- Brandenburg Gate
- Reichstag
- Berlin Island
- German Historical Museum
- Berlin Zoological Garden
1. The Berlin Wall constructed in 1961 divided the city into the East and West. It even separated families. Between 1961 and 1989 over 5,000 people tried to escape through or over the wall and over 100 died in their attempt. Barbed wire and barriers stretching 97 miles surrounded three Western sections and 27 miles of barrier divided East and West Berlin. In 1963, President Kennedy gave his Ich bin ein Berliner speech. In 1987, President Reagan challenged Michael Gorbachev to "tear down this wall." We all know the results of these speeches. Today only a small part of the wall remains as a memorial.
2. The Brandenburg Gate was built in the 18th century and served as one of the city's main gates. Today is the symbol of Berlin standing to maintain independence and probably the most celebrated icon in Germany.
3. The Reichstag was built in 1894 and housed the Diet (government) until 1933 when it was damaged by fire. The building fell into disrepair, and the East German government (volkskammer) held their meetings in East Berlin while the West German government (Bundestag) met in Bonn. After the reunification of East and West Germany the building was restored in 1999, and today is the location of the unified government, the Bundestag.
4. Berlin Island is the location of five leading museums. The Altes Museum (Old Museum) features artifacts from the Greek and Roman period, The Neues Museum (New Museum) features artifacts and papyrus from the Egypt Museum, The Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) features works of Classicism, Romanticism, the Biedermeier era, Impressionism and early Modernism., The Bode Museum, features Byzantine art, coins a
5. The German Historical Museum features the history of Germany and of Europe. It is a terrific museum of culture filled with historical artifacts.
6. The Berlin Zoological Garden covers 84 acres with over 1,500 species of 19,500 different animals. It is said to contain the most significant collection of animals in the world. After visiting this vast array of animals, you can sit down to a delightful lunch at the Zoo Café and see the lovely gift shop and take home souvenirs of this magnificent zoo.
After each article I finish, I always regret that I could not include more of the exciting places there are to see in this magnificent city. Please allow several days when you visit.
