It is impossible not to mention the Berlin Wall that is the most popular and famous symbol of the Cold War period. It was built in 1961 as a concrete structure that impounded East Berlin from West Berlin; it separated families and friends for 28 years. The dismantling the of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989 could not have been a joyful event for learners in Germany as the event signaled reunion of Germany as well as the end of the cold war. However, few derelicts of the Wall exist to this date in several parts of the city, which made them quite symbolic. Today that Wall has become a topic of interest in history and in this article, we will explain what the Berlin Wall is today and offer readers an initial guide to this subject.
1. Berlin Wall Memorial
It is if you really want to see the Berlin Wall with your own eyes so if you’re interested in history, the Berlin Wall Memorial should be on your list. To learn this history and importance of Bernauer Strasse, this memorial complex provides some good Tourist Locations. Here you can look at several parts of the wall with the ‘death strip,’ where the guards walked while it was in use. It also encompasses two major facilities; the exhibition center and the documentation centre that leave people with much information not only about the wall but the entire political and social impact of it and families affected.
2. East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is art with no roof and walls, though it with borders placed along a 1.3-kilometer long stretch of the Berlin Wall. As for now, one remaining segment which was painted with any old colors after the fall of the wall is covered with paintings of artists from all over the world and thus represents freedom and unity. Today the East Side Gallery can be considered one of the major attractions for the tourist in Berlin providing an amazing display of artwork that responds to the idea of freedom. People can walk along the wall, look at images that represent power and try to grasp what happened in this part of the world.
3. Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie was perhaps one of the most popular border posts during the Cold War period. Currently a must-visit site it enables visitors get insights on the history of the Berlin Wall through installations. There are facsimiles of the genuine guardhouse and the sign which designated the American area. So visiting Checkpoint Charlie can give some impression about one of the main reasons for people to fleeing from Eastern Berlin during Cold War.
4. Topography of Terror
The Topography of Terror is conceptually an open- air and indoor museum documenting the history of Gestapo and SS during the Nazis’ regime. Though it does not dwell on the Berlin Wall strictly speaking, it gives a clear picture of the political situation that warranted its erection. This needs to be visited to understand how Nazi reign came to power, Germany’s split and the building of the wall. It is important to visit this museum in order to set more accurate historical background for the meaning of the wall within history of Germany.
5. Berlin Wall Trail
If this is too passive for your taste, you’ll be sure to love the Berlin Wall Trail, though. This trail covers approximately 160km which covers the wall route where visitors are allowed to walk and bike on. This trail has signposts and panels and monuments along the way: it will give one a different kind of view of the history of the wall. As a tourist you have the opportunity to participate in this goal and learn more about the historical event of Berlin Wall through the physical structures left behind.
Conclusion
The Berlin Wall has an important meaning in history marker the division of the cold war between the east and the west. Currently, there is only a single sight of fragments of the wall, but it offers a lot of possibilities for learning and contemplation. This means by sampling some of the famous destinations including the Berlin Wall Memorial, East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie as well the Topography of Terror, one is able to have a much better understanding and resulting appreciation of some of the defining moments in history. However, such things as taking a walk or cycling at Berlin Wall Trail offers the view a very personal experience of the landmark that makes it even more special. For the beginners, The Berlin Wall Today provides an interesting ride that would help them consider learning more about this epoch.
