Berlin is the heart of modern Europe. This city is equally loved by young people for its dynamism, courage, endless development and love of experimentation, and by older people who value order and respect for the past. Berlin is full of trendy clubs, art galleries for all tastes, palaces, provocative performances, ancient monuments and a very recent dramatic past. Berlin's attractions do not end with Unter den Linden alone. Each of the 12 districts of the city has something to see and where to relax.
Berlin Wall
If the Great Wall of China performed a protective function against an external enemy, then the Berlin Wall, in contrast to it, became an insurmountable barrier between people of the same nationality, many of whom were even close relatives. In the history of the country, it will forever remain a symbol of the separation of the fraternal people due to political differences on the basis of the social system. But despite this obstacle and politics, people still wanted to meet and unite.
It is already reliably known that about 50,000 East Germans traveled to West Germany to work for a higher salary. West Germans, on the other hand, went to Berlin to shop at lower prices due to the difference in exchange rates. Apart from the wall and the economy, the people were divided by different ideologies, on the one hand, communist, on the other, capitalist.
The length of the wall at the time of its destruction was 155 km, part of it was equipped with electrical or sound alarms. All along there were observation towers, bunkers; 11 thousand guard soldiers were involved. Now that the wall has fallen, it has become even clearer to what absurdity politics and class contradictions can bring. Modern rulers should remember the Berlin Wall, which German Chancellor Willy Brandt called "the wall of shame" It is known that the Church of Reconciliation, a 19th century shrine, was demolished from a watchtower due to poor visibility.
Now, on the site of the ridiculous structure, a memorial monument-complex "Berlin Wall", which occupies 4 hectares of area, has been built for the edification of descendants. 28 million euros were spent on its construction. The memorial includes a "Window of Memory" dedicated to the fallen Germans who jumped from the windows of houses in East Germany onto the stone pavement Bernauer Strasse, already owned by the Federal Republic of Germany. This includes the restored Church of Reconciliation.
Zoo
Berlin Zoo, located in the central area of the city of Tiergarten, is famous for a huge variety of species of its inhabitants (there are 1,600 of them). The zoo was organized on the initiative of Liechtenstein, a zoologist with the support of King Frederick, who does not want to lag behind other European countries that already have similar establishments. Crowds of townspeople and tourists are pleased to examine the exotic design of the pavilions "House of Antelopes", "House of Ostriches", "House of Elephants" and other, no less interesting objects. It is impossible to pass by the central fence of the zoo indifferently: the exclusive Elefantentor gates will not allow you to do this - their design is so interesting.
The massive columns of the entrance are decorated in the form of sculptures of seated elephants, on whose backs an arch rests, resting on elaborate columns. The roof of the arch resembles the curved body of a crocodile, the resemblance to which is emphasized by the green ribbed surface of the roof-scales. The extraordinary appearance of the gate made it a unique landmark in Berlin.
Animals, like everything around them, look clean, well-groomed and vigorous. In the aviaries and pavilions where they live, there is no unpleasant smell and order reigns. Especially for children, staying here is the greatest pleasure to observe the habits of monkeys, feed rabbits, goats in a home corner. Children just squeak with delight, communicating with animals, and parents at such moments are happy that they were able to bring their children here.
Brandenburg Gate
This majestic building in the style of classicism is the only surviving gate of Berlin, a kind of symbol of the connection of times. They were erected at the end of the 18th century and were called the "Gate of Peace" and are now a famous historical monument throughout Germany, a symbol of the country's reunification. The author of the project Langhans took as a basis for his development the design of the main entrances (propylaea) in the Athenian Acropolis in order to give the monumental structure an antique majesty.
The six column-walls of the central facade are crowned with a portico with a chariot (quadriga) on it, harnessed by four bronze horses. They are ruled by Victoria - the goddess of Victory with an olive wreath on her head. During the reign of Napoleon, the quadriga was removed and sent to Paris. They returned it to its original place after the overthrow of the emperor (1814), placing an iron cross instead of an olive wreath on the head as a salutary symbol of the return.
Noticeable damage to the gate occurred during the war (1945). The Quadriga underwent almost complete destruction, and it had to be rebuilt again, which was done very meticulously. But this is not the last restoration: the Berlin Wall, erected in 1961, separated the gate, and when it was destroyed (1989), the chariot was again damaged. For a year and a half, restorers worked to restore the divine chariot and put it on the gate in August 1991. Day and night, the Brandenburg Gate is a magnificent sight, being a true architectural masterpiece.
Pergamon Museum
The unique museum got its birth and name after the discovery by German archaeologists in 1878 of an ancient structure of antiquity - the Pergamon Altar. Pergamum is an ancient city located on the territory of modern Turkey. The altar is an independent structure, impressive in its dimensions: the width of the marble staircase is 20 m, the length of the frieze is 120 m, and the height is 2 m. It was located in the city acropolis. After transporting the find to Berlin, it turned out that there was nowhere to place it, because there was no building suitable for its spaciousness.
To preserve the priceless relic, the visionary government funded the construction of a huge pavilion building on the banks of the Spree, (now Museum Island), which was destined to become a one-of-a-kind museum of ancient architectural monuments.
The unique collection began with the Pergamon Altar, which has become a true gem of the museum. This greatest creation of ancient masters delights everyone with a long chain of expressive high reliefs depicting the struggle of the ancient Greek gods with mythological heroes. Examining the sculptures, you come to the conclusion that brilliant creators have existed in all eras and times. It is a pity that not all of their names are known. Today, monumental masterpieces of ancient architecture serve as attractive spectacular objects for thousands of visitors.
The famous Ishtar Gate (goddess of fertility and carnal love), which served as the main, 7th entrance to the inner city of Babylon, found its place here. From there, the Processional Road of Marduk (fragment) comes from - white slabs of limestone, on the edges of which are carved the words of Nebuchadnezzar, glorifying the temple of Marduk. Three expositions of the museum reflect the fine arts of Greece and Rome, Western Asia and Islamic states - works of art for 6,000 years.
Berlin WelcomeCard: travel, discounts and guide - € 19.90
Hop-on hop-off bus tour for 24 or 48 hours - from 22 €
Ticket for a quick visit to the TV tower - 21.50 €
Priority entrance: Berlin TV Tower with window seat - 23.50 €
Coffee at the Käfer restaurant on the roof of the Reichstag - € 19.90
Panoramapunkt ticket - 7.50 €
Berlin museums admission: 3-day pass to 30+ museums - 29 €
Great Tiergarten park
This park was laid out in the 16th century as a royal hunting ground, and later converted into a landscape park. Since then, it has become a favorite place for the townspeople. A beautiful lake, ponds, shady walkways, numerous cafes along the shores of ponds and lakes - there is everything here to take a break from the bustle of the city. Thanks to the large number of provocative sculptures, the Tiergarten has recently become a center for informal art.
And there are also some of the main Berlin attractions and simply the most important places of the German capital - the Reichstag, the Victory Column, the Bellevue Palace. One of the most unusual buildings is the building, which was erected in 1957 for the opening of the International Building Exhibition. Now it houses the House of World Cultures, but the people call this building the "Pregnant Oyster".
In the center of the pond in front of the Oyster stands a statue of the English sculptor G. Moore "Butterfly". The House of Cultures often hosts concerts and international exhibitions. Nearby is the 42-meter tower of the Berlin Carillon. It has 68 bells, which are either computer-driven or manually set in motion. It is the largest musical instrument in Europe.
Column of Victory
There is another magnificent monument in the Tiergarten - the Victory Column, popularly called the Golden Elsa. It was installed in 1873 as a sign of victory in the Austro-Prussian, Franco-Prussian and Danish wars. The top of the column was decorated with a sculpture of the goddess of Victory - Victoria. The height of the column together with the statue was 51 m. At first it was located on the Royal Square in front of the Reichstag building. But later, in 1939, it was moved to its current location - the square that bears the name of the Big Star in the Tiergarten. At the same time, another section was added to it, and the height of the column was almost 67 m.
In 1987, the statue at the top was covered with gold, that's when it got its popular name.
After the unification of the country, the Column became a monument protected by the state. In addition, it is also an excellent observation deck. To go upstairs, you need to climb 285 steps inside the column. In addition to the observation deck, there is a historical museum inside the column.
The column is open to the public all year round.
In the warm season - from 01.04 to 31.10 - on weekdays from 9:30 to 18:30, on weekends from 9:30 to 19:00. An adult ticket costs 3 euros, a child ticket 2-50 euros.
Reichstag
The name of this administrative building of the German capital is known to the whole world as a symbol of the defeated Nazi Germany, over which the flag of the USSR soared in May 1945. This fact, first of all, makes this current parliamentary building the most visited object in Germany. The Reichstag arose as a result of long-term construction (10 years), during which those who laid the first stone in the foundation of the future foundation, who drew up the project, passed away. The Reichstag, created for the meetings of the German parliament, was supposed to symbolize the power of the Kaiser's empire.
Having undergone repeated destruction, the building was revived again and again, and now the parliament of the united Germany still sits in it. Those wishing to get into the legendary building are required to register in advance on the institution's website. Here you can see the interior interiors that revive the historical past, climb the glass dome on the roof and see the stunning panorama of Berlin in its beauty and grandeur.
Spandau Citadel
The gloomy structure of the prison for war criminals Spandau, which has gone into oblivion, became known to the world when Hitler's Nazi henchmen were placed in it after the Nuremberg trials. And at the beginning of the 20th century, those who fought against the developing fascism were kept here. A concentration camp was later built for them in Prussia. Ironically, after the defeat in the war, the prisoners and their guards changed places: 7 war criminals were serving their sentences in Spandau.
After the death of Hess, who was sentenced to life imprisonment, in 1987 the notorious prison building was literally razed to the ground, burying debris in the waters of the North Sea. Now on the site of Spandau there are shops and shopping centers. The prison's archives have not yet been fully declassified, so its story is not over.
Alexanderplatz
One of the most beautiful squares in Berlin was arranged in honor of the visit of the Russian Tsar Alexander I. The locals therefore call it simply Alex. On the square there is the railway station of the same name, from where trains and electric trains depart to different regions (lands) of Germany. The metro station of the same name, which opened back in 1913, is also located here, so Alexanderplatz is never empty: about 360 thousand people pass through it every day. During the era of the Weimar Republic, the square was a place of bohemian entertainment, described by Doeblin in the novel and shown in the film adaptation by director Fassbinder.
During the years of socialism, a high-rise hotel (123 floors) and a unique TV tower (368 m), included in the list of the tallest buildings in the world, were built on Alexanderplatz. Of interest is the Red City Hall, where the Berlin City Hall is located. A large building with a clock tower on the roof looks very impressive and majestic.
The interior design of the halls corresponds to the appearance of the City Hall: there are beautiful paintings and other works of art donated to the City Hall by world famous personalities. Noteworthy is the Neptune Fountain - a true sculptural and landscape masterpiece, created as a gift from the townspeople to Kaiser Wilhelm.
Opera
This is one of the three opera houses in Germany, founded in 1742, has seen the most famous performers on its stage. Among them were the great Caruso, FI Chaliapin, Maria Callas and other unsurpassed vocal masters. Great musicians and composers Strauss, Mendelssohn, Beethoven played here. And now the famous artists of the world consider it an honor to perform here: Anna Netrebko, Denis Matsuev, Maria Guleghina and other world stars of classical art.
Even during the years of separation of the state and citizens, the theater remained common for everyone, serving as a link between peoples. The theater building did not work only during the war due to destruction; after a grandiose reconstruction, it again began to host the best troupes of world theaters and symphony orchestras. The building of the Berlin Opera is externally an example of classical architecture, with a luxuriously decorated stage, parterre and boxes.
TV tower
The unique tower is one of the tallest buildings in Germany and the fourth in Europe. The tower is also famous for its design, which does not allow the 118-meter antenna to deviate to the side by no more than 80 cm, even in very strong winds. Thousands of tourists strive to get into this architectural miracle in order to observe the picturesque panorama of the city from the observation deck. Alexanderplatz Square became the site for the construction of the future TV tower, the construction of which began in August 1964 according to the project of two architects Dieter, Frank and designer Henselmann.
The project can be called innovative by the standards of that time. The construction was carried out with the involvement of Swedish and Dutch companies that manufacture elevators, cables, air conditioning systems and glass. The tower body was erected by sliding formwork made of reinforced concrete. A spherical steel protective frame, assembled at the bottom, was installed with an assembly crane in separate fragments.
By the way, this crane remained on the top of the tower shaft with the boom lowered, unlike the crane that installed the antenna fragments, which was dismantled and lowered down. DM 200 million was spent on the construction (which exceeded the planned costs by 6 times).
Cathedral
Berlin Cathedral - the largest Protestant church in Germany - is located on the museum island, where all guests of Berlin come. The beauty and grandeur of the cathedral leaves no one indifferent; thousands of tourists visit the church every day.You can endlessly admire the external decoration of the facade: gracefully executed sculptures, stucco patterns, picturesque domes of green color against a gray background of the walls create a rich picture, not traditional for a Protestant Gothic temple.
The interior of the cathedral is so luxuriously and expressively decorated, where bright stained-glass windows coexist with magnificent paintings depicting biblical subjects. The pulpit is decorated with amazingly beautiful wooden carvings. The marble columns, the steps of the wide staircase leading to the throne, reinforce the impression of majestic splendor.
Parishioners can climb to the domed observation deck to explore the area. Before the war, the height of the cathedral was 114 m, after the reconstruction in 1993 it dropped to 98 m. The cathedral is famous for its organ made by the famous master Sauer, the burial vault of the Hohenzollern family dynasty. The area in front of the cathedral is decorated with beautiful lawns surrounding a picturesque fountain. The entrance to the temple is paid, the ticket costs 5 euros.
Bisdorf
This name was first mentioned in medieval documents as a designation for a small village in the vicinity of Berlin. At the beginning of the 20th century, Bisdorf, along with other settlements, became part of the new district of Lichtenberg, which became part of Berlin. In 1927, the authorities of the capital bought out all the historical buildings of Bisdorf, among which was the palace of the same name, which is a significant historical and architectural monument. After the enlargement of the districts, Biesdorf became part of the solid district of Marzahn-Hellensdorf.
Interesting objects of Bisdorf: the local old church, "Theater by the Park", the park itself - attract the attention of tourists with their cute patriarchal, successfully combined with avant-garde modernity. The most spectacular architectural monument is the Bisdorf Palace, the personification of the connection of times in connection with its history. Despite the fact that the building was erected in the 19th century, in style and architecture it looks like an Italian Renaissance building.
The palace was built as a private villa, owned for 5 decades by the merchant Buntzingsloven, the Siemens founding family and other famous German families. After several years of neglect, the Palace was carefully restored and now serves as an exhibition center in Berlin. Outwardly, a rather modest building does not look like a luxurious palace, but it contains interesting elements and original architectural solutions in its architecture.
The central facade of the palace is decorated with rectangular columns connected at the bottom with an openwork parapet; the round corner turret enhances the impression of lightness and airiness of the building. The unique charm of the palace is complemented by a wonderful park, designed according to the principle of the Semiramis Gardens on several levels, with lovely green lawns, picturesque trees and shrubs. A bust of Wilhelm Siemens, the founder of the garden, is installed in the park alley.
Hamburg station
By coincidence, Hamburg Station, having lost its direct purpose of a transport hub at the end of the 19th century, turned into a Museum of Contemporary Art, as Berliners and guests of the city now know it. The first exhibits in it were art objects donated to Berlin by a private collector E. Marx. For them, part of the premises of the station was restored (1989) and adapted for a museum. And already in 1996, the entire building of the station became the Museum of Modern Art, the grand opening of which took place with a large gathering of people.
Today, the walls of the museum exhibit works of art by contemporary artists, sculptors, photographers and other representatives of contemporary art. There are canvases and sculptures by German postmodern artists Beuys and Kiefer; the Americans of Liechtenstein, Twombly and Warhol; English avant-garde artist Long. It hosts temporary exhibitions of artwork by young talents, a bookstore, a restaurant, festivals, contests and conferences. The former Hamburg railway station is very popular with Berliners and tourists.
Bellevue Palace
The palace was built in 1786 for Prince August Ferdinand. This was his summer residence. It hosted the most important guests, including Napoleon, Schiller and Humboldt. In the 19th century, an art gallery was set up here, and the park was made public. After the First World War, the building was nationalized. Exhibitions were held there, and in 1935 a museum of national applied arts was opened. After the war, only the outer walls remained from the palace building.
In the 1950s, it was rebuilt and housed the ministries of the federal states. A large-scale restoration of the palace was carried out in the late 1980s and early 2000s. Now the Bellevue Palace is the residence of the President. And in the annex, which was built at the end of the 30s for the guests of the Third Reich, the presidential office is located.
You can get there by metro - to Hansaplatz station or by train S3, S5, S7, S75 to Tiergarten station.
Charlottenburg
The luxurious baroque palace, built at the end of the 17th century for the wife of Frederick I Sophia Charlotte of Hanover, was called Lutzenburg, but after the death of Sophia Charlotte, it was renamed in her honor. It was the favorite summer residence of the kings of Prussia with a beautifully landscaped park. After the war, only ruins remained of the palace, and the German government even decided to completely destroy Charlottenburg, but the then director stood up for him - simply settling in the destroyed castle.
The palace was restored for several decades, and today it is one of the most favorite places for tourists and Berliners. Here you can look not only at the restored royal interiors, but also see a collection of paintings, old German and Chinese porcelain. The palace park with alpine slides, grottoes, ponds and green lawns is also very popular.
From November to March, it is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 to 16:30, and from April to October until 17:30. Monday is a day off. The castle is closed on holidays on December 24-25. Ticket prices: adults - 12 euros, and children - 8 euros. Photography without flash is allowed in the palace. Its cost is 3 euros.
Köpenick Palace
Even in very ancient times, a Slavic fortress was built on the island where the Köpenik Palace now stands. Later, a hunting castle arose in its place, and then King Gustav II settled here. Frederick III of Brandenburg reconstructed the castle in the second half of the 17th century, and at the same time the North Pavilion was added to the palace, a palace church and an outbuilding appeared.
When Frederick was declared king of Prussia, he made Köpenick his seat. Since then and almost until the end of the last century, the castle remained in its original form. In 1963, the Museum of Art was opened here. Now it is part of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, protected by the state and is a monument of art and architecture.
There are exhibits found during archaeological excavations of the area, works of applied art, collections of porcelain and jewelry, pieces of palace furniture from different eras. The castle hosts exhibitions and concerts, and every year the Köpenickské Summer festival is held, which attracts guests from all over the Brandenburg land.
The palace is open to the public every day, except Monday, from 10:00 to 18:00, December 24-25 - weekends, and January 1 - from 12:00 to 18:00.
Red town hall
In the 19th century, the former building of the city hall could no longer accommodate the enlarged magistrate and, moreover, it was noticeably dilapidated. In its place, in 1869, a new neo-Renaissance building with a 74-meter Gothic tower was built. Until 1945, the city council met in the town hall, but during the bombing of Berlin it was almost completely destroyed. It was restored until 1956, and the magistrate of East Berlin was located here.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, this building was handed over to the city senate and the mayor of the city.Tourists can view the Column Hall in the Town Hall, where receptions and exhibitions are now held. The third floor houses a gallery of portraits of famous Berliners. In the halls on this floor, meetings of the magistrate are held. The town hall can be accessed on weekdays from 9 am to 6 pm. Sometimes, due to important political events, visits are restricted.
Department store KaDeWe
By the beginning of the last century, Abraham Adolf Yandorf already had several stores in which he briskly traded goods for ordinary workers. However, after visiting the posh London and New York department stores, he had the idea to open a similar one in the German capital. To do this, he invited the best European architects, artists, managers, and the shopping center, which opened in 1907 on the western outskirts of Berlin, managed to impress even the most sophisticated patrons of London and American department stores.
"Allow yourself everything!" - KaDeWe's motto for over 100 years. Every visitor to the store felt like a chosen one. At their service - seven floors, 13 elevators, crystal, electric lamps and finishes from expensive woods and goods of excellent quality. In addition to trading departments, there was a tea room, a post office and a bank, a hairdresser, a photo studio and a grocery store, which offered the best products from all over the world.
And today all world trade marks are concentrated here. On the ground floor there are boutiques of leading fashion brands. On the second floor there are goods for men, and the next two floors are completely devoted to goods for beautiful ladies. In the department store you can buy almost everything - from goods for newborns and souvenirs to large household and office equipment. But its main attraction is still the grocery floor.
Delicacies and the most common products are presented in a very wide range. There is also a cafe, where, at your request, they can prepare a dish from newly purchased products. The department store is open every day except Sunday. Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 20:00, Friday until 21:00, and Saturday from 09:30 to 20:00.
Potsdamer Platz
Once this square stood at the intersection of roads and served as a ferry between the eastern and western parts of the city. It was built in the 18th century. Later, a railway station appeared here, and at the beginning of the last century, a metro. It was a very busy part of the city. Business facilities developed rapidly here, especially in the entertainment sector. On Potsdamer Platz appeared practically the first shopping and entertainment center "House of Potsdam" - there were offices of industrialists, a theater, several cafes and shops.
It was a busy place, and the first traffic light in Europe was also installed here. During the war, the square was almost completely destroyed, and for many years life stopped there. It was only after the unification of Germany that its revival began. Now it is one of the busiest corners of the German capital. Remains of the Berlin Wall, modern office centers, Boulevard of Stars, cinemas hosting world cinema stars, the huge business and shopping and entertainment "Sony Center" and the famous 25-storey Kolhoff tower have been preserved here.
Gendarmenmarkt
This square was built in the 17th century, when the Huguenots mainly settled on it. The square itself was mainly a market and was even called at first Lindenmarkt - Linden Market. The square received its present name only in 1799, when barracks for cavalry gendarmes were built on its territory.
Later, however, they were demolished and between the two churches - the German and the French - the building of the French Comedy Theater was erected, and then the National Theater, which later burned down. Now in its place is the building of the Concert Hall, which was built in the 1820s and opened with the premiere of the opera The Magic Shooter.
During the war, the square was badly damaged, and then changed its name to Academy Square. They returned the historical name to it after the unification of Germany, in 1991. Today people come to the square not only to admire the architectural and historical monuments. There are many cozy small cafes and restaurants, numerous shops and benches where you can relax, chat and just watch the bustling life around.
French cathedral
One of the most beautiful buildings in the German capital stands on Gendarmenmarkt. This is the French Cathedral, which was built at the beginning of the 18th century by the Huguenots. It was called then simply the Church of Friedrichstadt, after the name of the city in which it was located. But later, Firdrichstadt was annexed to Berlin, and the name of the church changed. By the end of the century, the church was rebuilt, adding a dome and tower. After that, the church began to resemble the German Cathedral standing right there, on the Gendarmenmacrte.
In the next century, an organ appeared in the church, hymns began to be sung, the church was decorated from the inside, changing its former asceticism. The restoration of the temple after the war took place only in the 80s of the last century, and in 2006 the facade of the building was completely restored. Unlike the German Cathedral, this temple is active.
There is an observation deck at the cathedral: from November to February it works from 10 to 18 hours, and from March to October - until 19 hours every day. An adult ticket costs 3 euros, and for children under 14 years old - 1 euro. The Museum of the History of the Huguenots also works here. Its visit will cost 2 euros, it is open daily, except Monday, from 12 noon to 17 hours.
Madame Tussauds museum
In 2008, the 12th branch of the world famous Madame Tussaud's wax museum was opened in Berlin. It is located on the boulevard Unter den Linden. Show business stars and public figures - from Otto von Bismarck, Marlene Dietrich to Angelina Jolie - are here all who have left their mark in the history of mankind over the past centuries. There is also a figure of Adolf Hitler here. But the Fuhrer is depicted as pitiful and helpless — so, they say, he looked before committing suicide.
The museum has a separate room where you can watch how wax sculptures are made.
The museum is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm. The only day off of the year is on Christmas Day - December 25th. An adult ticket costs 20.95 euros, children under 15 - 15.95 euros. Online tickets are 10% cheaper. You can also save money when buying a family ticket (for two adults and two children), it costs 61.32 euros.
Museum Island
An ensemble of 5 museums has been formed on the Spreeinsel Island for over 100 years. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It presents the history of mankind over 6 centuries. The complex includes the Pergamon Museum, the Bose Museum, the Old and New Museums and the Old National Gallery. The modern name stuck to it in the 70s of the last century. And the very history of the emergence of the Museum Island began in 1797, with the idea of opening a museum of the history and art of antiquity.
The museum itself was opened only in 1830 - now it is the Old Museum. In 1859, the New appeared. It is dedicated to the most ancient architecture, the era of the primitive system and the history of Egypt. The Old National Gallery opened in 1856. This is the largest collection of paintings from Kazarians frescoes to paintings by French impressionists. Bose Museum and Pergamon Museum appeared already in the XX century. The Bose Museum contains the best examples of Byzantine art, as well as German and Italian medieval and Renaissance art.
Ancient art can be seen in the Pergamon Museum. There are also two collections dedicated to the history and culture of the East - the Near East and the Islamic museums. It will take more than one day to see all the treasures of the Museum Island. It can be reached on foot from the Brandenburg Gate or by metro and tram M1, M4, M5.
Topography of terror
During the Third Reich, Prince Albert's palace was the headquarters of the Gestapo. In 1949, it was demolished, and on this site at the end of the last century a new building was erected, in which the Topography of Terror museum was opened. It takes strong nerves to view the exposure.Almost all the exhibits are literally permeated with the blood and pain of millions of concentration camp prisoners tortured by the Nazis and civilians in Europe. Here you can learn about how fascism originated in Germany and how the Nazis came to power in the country.
The museum contains photographs that capture evidence of the crimes of the Gestapo, members of the SD and SS, documents in which you can find out information about the prisoners of concentration camps and labor camps, which at that time were organized throughout Europe. In the surviving basements of the palace, torture instruments are displayed, and in the courtyard there are dilapidated barracks where prisoners of the GBI-Lager 75/76 camp were kept. It is very difficult to look at all this, but sometimes it is worth reminding yourself of these difficult years in order to prevent a repetition of this in the future.
The museum is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm. Weekends only on December 24 and 31 and January 1. Free admission.
Memorial to the victims of the Holocaust
Not far from the Brandenburg Gate, in one of the most fashionable quarters of Berlin, where wealthy people live and the offices of the largest companies are located, there is one of the most controversial monuments to the victims of the last won. Created by Peter Isseman, the Holocaust Memorial is a green field lined with gray concrete blocks. There are exactly 2271 of them. At the edges, they are quite low, but they gradually grow, become taller, denser and form only narrow corridors, through which a piece of sky and trees in the distance are visible.
The person who is here experiences an inexplicable feeling of growing anxiety and panic. These sensations intensify as you progress through the maze. The posts are covered with a special compound, thanks to which dirt and paint do not linger on them. Any graffiti made by vandals is immediately washed off by the rain. At the very end of the concrete labyrinth is the information center. Here you can find out the fate of the Jews who disappeared during the war. The center has a small museum that contains documents, diaries and photographs of families held in the Berlin ghetto.
The center is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, and the memorial itself is open around the clock. You can order an audio guide, including in Russian. Its cost is 4 euros.
NeueWahe Memorial
At the very beginning of Unter den Linden there is a building in the classic German style. Austere Doric columns support a pediment with a bas-relief depicting a battle. In the center is the goddess Nike with her hand raised up, deciding who will win this time. This building is not a museum, but a monument to soldiers - victims of wars and terror. People call it "NeueWahe" - "new watch". It was erected back in 1816. It was a memorial to the soldiers who died in the war with Napoleon. The monument was rebuilt two times - after the First and Second World Wars.
Inside there are granite slabs, under which the remains of an unknown Resistance fighter and an unnamed concentration camp prisoner rest, and in the center of the room there is a sculpture "Pieta". This is an inconsolable mother holding the body of her deceased son in her arms. There is no roof above her, and rain pours down on the head of the inconsolable mother, she is covered with snow. This is a symbol of endless sorrows and misfortunes that befall the entire people during any war.
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
In the 19th century, a church was erected in Berlin in memory of the first Kaiser Wilhelm with a tower 113 m high. It was the tallest church in the German capital. During the war, almost the entire church was destroyed, except for one of the towers. It was decided not to restore or demolish the temple, but to leave it in such a dilapidated state as a warning and reminder of the war.
Berliners nicknamed him "an empty tooth". And in the 60s, two modern buildings were erected next to it: a church and a bell tower. The church has eight faces, the walls are tiled, and the light entering the glass is reflected in an unusual blue color. The huge figure of Christ, whose height is 4 and a half meters, seems to hover over the altar. The church has excellent acoustics, and organ concerts are often held here on Sundays.
And on the site of the nave of the old church there is now a six-sided bell tower. Every hour its bells play a melody by the Kaiser's grandson, Prince Louis Ferdinand.
The surviving tower, or rather in its basement, now houses a memorial. It tells about the history of the church; the remaining fragments of reliefs and mosaics, church utensils, and a sculpture of Christ are kept here. This complex is a symbol of West Berlin. Before Christmas, a Christmas tree is erected on the square in front of the church and a fair is organized. Here you can buy souvenirs, taste real German sausages and mulled wine, feel the approach of merry holidays.
The church is open every day from 9 am to 7 pm, and the memorial hall is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Church of St. Nicholas
The Church of St. Nicholas in 2010 celebrated its 800th anniversary, although references to it were found in documents dating back to 1200. This basilica is older than the city itself. Now she no longer fulfills her spiritual functions, but became a branch of the Brandenburg Museum. The last service was held there in 1938, and during the war the church was almost completely destroyed.
Throughout its long history, the temple was rebuilt several times, and in its appearance you can find Gothic, Neo-Gothic features and later eras. After the war, the church was restored. At the same time, chimes with an additional bell were added to the bell tower. After the restoration, the basilica began to function as a museum. The exhibits tell about the history of the church and about the people whose fate was connected with it.
If you go down the stairs, you can find yourself on the level of medieval Berlin. Beyer's crypt can also be seen. Sometimes concerts of classical music, including organ music, are held in the temple. The doors of the museum are open every day from 10:00 to 18:00. An adult ticket costs € 6, and a child ticket costs € 4. Every first Wednesday of the month you can visit the basilica free of charge.
St. Mary's Church
Of all the active churches in Berlin, St. Mary's Church is the oldest. It is located in the very center of the city. Next to it is the TV tower, erected in 1960. The first mention of the church dates back to 1292. Its tower burned several times and was restored in the 17th century, which is why traces of other eras, such as the Baroque, are noticeable in the architecture. And in 1789-90, after another restructuring, it acquired a neo-Gothic appearance.
Services in the Church of St. Mary continued after the war. The area around it was completely reconstructed, surrounding the church with modern buildings. Now only the Basilica of St. Mary and the Red City Hall remind of the ancient past. Inside, the church is interesting for its decoration and the same mixture of styles of its design. The old fresco "Dance of Death" has survived, depicting the plague epidemic in Berlin in the Middle Ages.
True, the colors faded almost everywhere, and a reproduction was placed next to the fresco. The organ standing in the church was once played by I.-S. Bach. From the very first day of the existence of the church, it has its own choir. And today, every Sunday service is accompanied by organ music and chants performed by the church choir, giving all visitors an extraordinary sense of harmony and unity with God. The temple is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm, and on Thursday from 2 pm to 6 pm.
New Synagogue
The capital of Germany has always been a multinational city. Due to the large influx of the Jewish population in the second half of the 19th century, the need arose for the construction of a new synagogue that could accommodate all parishioners. The new synagogue opened on September 5, 1866. Its architects, F. Stuler and E. Knoblauch, used the style of Spanish synagogues in the design of the facade: oriental ornaments, multi-colored and glazed bricks, hipped roof domes.
It was the largest synagogue in Germany. Here not only divine services were held, but also lectures and concerts were held.In 1930, for example, Albert Einstein himself took part in the violin concert held here. During the Jewish pogrom in November 1938, the synagogue burned, but after that it was restored and services continued. It closed only in 1940.
After the war, only the facade remained of it, and the government of the GDR, which included this area of Berlin, decided not to restore the building. Only after the unification of Germany was the synagogue restored. Today there are services and a museum. Admission costs € 7 for adults and € 4.5 for children.
Checkpoint Charlie
The checkpoint on Friedrichstrasse was once one of the points through which residents of East Berlin could get to its western side. But only senior officials, diplomats and foreign citizens could use it, in particular through this point - US citizens. Today, in memory of those years, there is a border booth, lined with sandbags and illuminated by searchlights. Checkpoint "C", or "Charlie", as the townspeople called this checkpoint, today is a symbol of the Cold War.
Next to the booth, several cobblestones show where the border was, and a poster hangs on either side of which depicts American and Soviet soldiers representing two irreconcilable ideologies. Not far from this place is the famous cafe "Adler". Here dissidents and spies met with journalists.
The Berlin Wall Museum is also located in a house near the border point and tells about the price at which freedom was given to people in the recent past. You can get here by metro - this is the Kochstrasse station on the U6 line.
Balloon DieWelt
Not far from the Brandenburg Gate, in the sky above the city, the Die Welt balloon hovers. The blue and white balloon is perfectly visible from all parts of the city in good weather. This original ad for Berlin's most influential newspaper has long been a symbol of the German capital. The balloon is sent "flying" every 15 minutes. Its basket can accommodate up to 30 people. It is securely connected to the ground with a metal cable. Having risen to a height of 150 m, you can see not only the historic center, but also see the original modern districts of the city.
In the warm season, the balloon accepts passengers from 10 am to 10 pm, from November to March - from 11: 00 to 18:00. The ticket costs 25 euros for adults, for students, schoolchildren and the disabled - 20 euros, for children under 10 years old - 12 euros.
Treptower Park
Perhaps everyone in our country knows the name of this Berlin park. Even those who have never planned a trip to Berlin. After all, one of the largest memorial complexes to Soviet soldiers - the liberators of Berlin is located here. Originally, this green area on the Spree River was planned as a place for recreation and entertainment for the townspeople. However, after the war, the purpose of this park changed slightly.
The memorial opens with a sculpture of a grieving mother, from which an alley of birches leads through a symbolic gate with banners at half-mast to the sarcophagi and an 8-meter statue of a soldier-liberator. In its foundation there is a small museum, where lists with the names of all the dead soldiers buried in the mass graves of Treptow Park are kept. On May 8 and 9, Berliners and tourists who have come to honor the memory of the soldiers gather in the park.
But besides the memorial, there are places for family recreation in the park. There are fountains, water attractions, a large rose garden and a sunflower meadow. The Archenhold Observatory has the longest telescope in Europe. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 2 pm to 4:30 pm. Admission is free, but excursions are paid - 6 euros - for adults and 3 euros - for children. A family ticket for 2 adults and 3 children will cost 15 euros. The entrance to the park is free, it is open every day around the clock.
Botanical Garden
The Berlin Botanical Garden is one of the three most significant botanical gardens in the world. It began in 1679 from the pharmacies' gardens and was then called "Kurfüstengarten". Today it is 430 thousand square meters. m of meadows, forest glades, flower beds, lakes, pavilions and lawns with unique plants from different natural zones. 15 rooms represent the most varied climatic zones and the plants that grow in them. Here you can see unique ferns, exotic orchids, and predatory plants.
The flora of Australia, the Canary Islands, Angola, Mexico, the Caucasus Mountains and the Alps - you will go on a journey around the world. Each zone is designed in accordance with natural features.
The garden has many seating areas with benches, small gazebos and balconies. The garden is open daily, but in November, December and January - from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in February - until 5 p.m., in March and October - until 6 p.m., April, August and September - until 8 p.m. May, June and July - until 21:00. The only day off is on the eve of Christmas - December 24th.
Boulevard Unter den Linden
The most famous street in Berlin starts from the Palace Square and stretches to the Brandenburg Gate. Its length is 1390 m, and the width in some places reaches 60 m. It got its name in honor of two rows of lindens, which were planted in 1647 by order of Friedrich Wilhelm. From here began the road leading from the palace to its hunting grounds.
Gradually wealthy citizens and noble families began to build mansions along the road. With the growth of the city, the boulevard Unter den Linden turned into the main street of the city. Theaters were opened here, palaces and government buildings were built. Today, the main sights of the city are concentrated on it: the Arsenal with the German Historical Museum, Neue Wache, the palace ensemble, which includes the palaces of the crown prince and princess.
In 1743, the famous Berlin Opera opened here, today the great Daniel Barenboim has been its artistic director for many years. Lines of cozy cafes and restaurants stretch along the entire street, but Einstein and the favorite place of Russian Berliners - a small cafe near the Opera building - are considered the most famous to this day.
Tropical Island Water Park
In the very heart of Europe, you can suddenly find yourself in the center of a real tropical paradise and for several hours be transported from a noisy metropolis to the jungle or to the shores of the southern oceans. Aquapark "Tropical Island" is truly the most, very, most ... Here is the largest bath and spa complex in Europe, the highest water slide in the country, and the largest artificial beach in Europe. The entire park is divided into zones. You can find yourself in the "Flower World" among exotic plants, animals and birds, get into the jungle or the sandy beach, which is 200 m long.
A culinary journey into the world of exotic dishes awaits you at Tropical Village, while attractions for the whole family are concentrated at Amazonia. All pools are no more than 135 cm deep so that they can be used by families with children. In addition, the water park has a special area for spa treatments with a sauna complex and a fitness center. The catering area has 12 establishments - from fast food to expensive restaurants offering exotic menus. There are even hotels at the water park for those who want to spend more than one day here.
Aquarium AquaDom
The world's largest cylindrical saltwater aquarium is called AquaDom and is located in the lobby of the Radisson Blue Hotel. Its height is 25 m, and its width is 11 m. These are underwater caves and grottoes, coral reefs in which sharks, mussels, seahorses, rays, lobsters and other representatives of the marine fauna live. In total, there are about 1,500 fish in the aquarium of 97 different species, and they are all from a wide variety of water zones.
You can look at the unique aquarium every day from 10 am to 7 pm. December 24 is a day off. On December 31, it is open from 10:00 to 17 hours, and on January 1 from 1:00 to 17 hours.
Olympic Stadium
The Olympic Stadium was built for the 1916 Games. It was designed by Otto March. But the games did not take place because of the outbreak of the First World War two years earlier. Berlin was next selected as the capital of the 1936 Olympic Games.The Nazi government thoroughly prepared for their implementation. They were supposed to demonstrate the power of the fascist state.
Otto Mark's son, Werner, was involved in the reconstruction of the stadium. The building was rebuilt in accordance with the classical antique traditions. This emphasized that the Third Reich is the direct heir to the Holy Roman Empire. The stadium accommodated 110 thousand spectators. A separate tribune was built for Hitler. In front of the stadium there was a May meadow, where parades and sports shows were held. The stadium opened on August 1, 1936, and the ceremony was broadcast on 20 television screens located in Berlin.
After the war, the stadium became the home of the Greta football club. For the 2006 FIFA World Cup, it was completely reconstructed and modernized. Now it is the largest sports ground in Germany, it has a capacity of 74.5 thousand. Major competitions are held here, including the 2006 FIFA World Cup final.
Grunwald forest
Grunwald - the former suburb of Berlin, was once built up with country villas of rich and noble people. At the beginning of the last century, representatives of the authorities loved to relax here, and today you can admire the beautiful architecture of mansions, enjoy the silence and walk in the parks of some villas that are free to visit. However, most Berliners do not want to come here for this, but go to the Grunwald Forest.
This is a large forest and park recreation area in the southwest of the city. It is pleasant to wander along the shady alleys on foot or ride a bike, listen to birds, and relax by the numerous ponds. On the shore of Lake Wannsee there is a beach area with sun loungers, umbrellas and a cafe. This is a favorite vacation spot for Berliners. Without leaving the city, you can take a break from the noise of the metropolis - here you will find a transparent surface of the lake, warm, clean sand, silence and birdsong.
