If you’re planning a trip to Berlin and want to experience its rich history, one of the must-visit attractions is the Berlin Wall. Built in 1961, the wall divided the city into East and West Berlin, symbolizing the divide between communist and democratic ideologies. Today, exploring the remnants of the Berlin Wall can provide a profound insight into the Cold War era and the struggles faced by the city during that time.
East Side Gallery
Another surface location of the Berlin Wall which is among the most famous is the East Side Gallery. The longest of the remaining segments measures 1.3 kilometers along the Spree River. One makes wonders how this place has been turned into an open art gallery whereby artists from all parts of the world come with their paints and paints captivating and disgusting art of the wall. The opportunity to walk along the East Side Gallery is an excellent chance to observe history and admire the art at one time.
Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer
For more concentration and thoughtful and rather sad mood the BEST place to visit is Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer. This memorial site will give a good background on the history of the Berlin Wall. It’s here that one can learn about those who lost their lives trying to get over the wall – and the consequences of it in people’s lives. This includes an exhibition area, documentation centre and a part of the wall as freely accessible area which makes the site very touching for visitors.
Checkpoint Charlie
A border crossing point during the cold war, check point Charlie has a high momentous value. While the actual guardhouse has been demolished, a reconstructed full-scale guardhouse can be seen together with an open air exhibition telling the story of this crossing point. Visiting Checkpoint Charlie one can learn some of the escape stories and see life in the shadow of the wall.
Topography of Terror
Although unrelated to the Berlin Wall, the Topography of Terror generalizes knowledge of the Nazi regime and its part in German history. This museum is situated on the territory of the former headquarters of the Gestapo and SS and presents the horrors of Nazi Germany. The exhibition covers the story of Hitler, regime’s oppressions, and effects of the Second World War on Berlin. Considering this background enables one to make sense of division, which resulted in construction of the Berlin Wall.
Remembering the Berlin Wall
Any of these important sites allow you to learn about the history of the Berlin Wall if you visit any of them. Here are some tips to make the most out of your experience:
- Plan your visit in advance: Inspect each place for its opening hours and, if they are hers, enter the potential charge for admittance.
- Take a guided tour: It is advisable to take an organized trip to get explanations about the time when the building was built and events that took place there.
- Bring a map: The Berlin Wall was massive and present, and as you can see from using the map, sections remain today.
- Stay respectful: It is important to understand that the sites you visit are historical and emotional ones. They must be treated with courtesy and their perceived importance to other people taken with enthusiasm.
Here, you not only will get acquainted with the history of the Berlin Wall; moreover, you will see how people were unbreakable and united. Today Berlin is a united city and a capital full of life which has learn to live with its past but not be limited by it but rather look to a future with hope.