Germany itself has rich history and amongst cities that can be mentioned Berlin – capital of the country. Even from the Prussian period up to when East and West Berlin separated after second World War up to the end of cold war Berlin has been privilege to experience important historic event that transformed not just Germany but the world at large. If you are a history lover or just have a thing for the past, a history tour of Berlin would simply be unthinkable. In this guide, we will lead you through the timeline that marked the city, and tell you more about its most important historical landmarks.
1. Brandenburg Gate: A Symbol of Unity
Perhaps the most famous of all of the sights in Berlin is the Brandenburg Gate. Originally the gate was built at the end of the XVIII century in order to maintain peace, further it see a numerous historical events. This was the place for Napoleon’s victory march through the city and seen the ebb and flow of the Third Reich and was a stark symbol of Cold War East and West. Today the Berlin wall is a symbol of the united Germany and the historic evidence of how the city survived.
2. Berlin Wall Memorial: Traces of a Divided City
On no Berlin trip is it possible to miss the Berlin Wall Memorial which documents the division of Berlin through the wall that once separated the east and west of the city. Here, you can see a preserved piece of the wall, read about the residents’ experiences and witness how the division began and ended with the wall crumbling in 1989. The memorial should be used to teach people a lesson about division and how unity is very crucial.
3. Checkpoint Charlie: Crossing the Iron Curtain
Checkpoint Charlie was the most popular border crossing point in the middle of Cold War period. Sited in the middle of Berlin, and sometimes serving as the meet point between East and West it was that kind of place. Now, there is a checkpoint replica reminding about the past, the struggle people faced while crossing the Iron Curtain and allowing tourists to learn about these events. It’s a stimulating one as it brings in focus the real-life people who are often denied their rightful place in history books.
4. Museum Island: A Treasure Trove of History
If you are interested in exploring more about the history of Berlin then you will find Museum Island to be a great place. Located on the Spree River, this World Heritage offers five glass and steel-based world-class museums. It ranges from Egyptian collection of Neues Museum to ancient Greek and Roman sculptures at Altes Museum and treasures and Egyptian moderating Neues museum. You should spend more time walking through these impressive collections and learn more about the past of Berlin.
5. The Reichstag: From the Beginning of the Imperial Power up to the Democracy
The Reichstag represent the historical evolution from an Imperialism power to a Democratic country. It was home of the German Empire in the 19th century and experienced major transformations during the stormy twentieth century. Some of that cultural property was violated during the Second World War, and this castle was rebuilt in the symbol of the return of democracy. Today the Reichstag is open for tourists and one can go to even up the glass cupola to admire the Berlin view. It must be a great chance to observe timelines as well as development of the city.
6. Holocaust Memorial: Honoring the Victims
The Holocaust Memorial or more formally referred to as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is a grave and meditative place in honor of the millions killed during the holocaust. Dressed in blue trousers and a grey T-shirt, I had a look at the standard procedure of following the intricate path through the large hovering concrete slabs: the feeling of history overwhelms one. The memorial has a pragmatics of education of the basic lesson, which is to never forget the horrors of World War II. It’s peaceful along with being an important provocation for a review of history’s villains that each of us is.
Conclusion
A history tour in Berlin is thus an interesting adventure in historical time travel. Drawing upon the cyclical dynamics of the empire and then the division and reunification of the city of Berlin people remain strong and adapt at their core. Visiting the most important historic sights allows to not only learn more about the history of Berlin, but also about the certain historical events that had an impact for the current world. Therefore, grab your suitcase, wear your comfortable shoes and be ready to make a historical tour of Berlin- indeed the best change you ever made.