One of the main attractions in Berlin is the Bebelplatz. This is actually a big public plaza which is now surrounded with other historical landmarks found right in Berlin. The name Bebelplatz actually came from the name of August Bebel which is one of the most influential political figures in Berlin Germany. The Bebelplatz has also bore witness to much of the public gatherings held in Berlin.
However, the Bebelplatz is infamously famous for an event that happened during the reign of the Nazi party. Book burning events have been made right at the Bebelplatz where an estimated 20,000 books were torched especially those believed to be written by Jews, those which showcase the triumph of Jews, and those with communist influences or written by Karl Marx.
Modern Day Bebelplatz
To date, the Bebelplatz continues to commemorate the historical book burning event which happened there back in May 10, 1933. Somewhere in the middle of Bebelplatz, a glass plated flooring can be found to showcase a set of empty bookcases as a symbolical commemoration of the said book burning. The bookcases were placed inside the dug hole and were covered with glass plate so that lookers can walk through it and also to prevent it from becoming untidy.
In addition to this, an annual book sale event is also held right at the Bebelplatz to commemorate the book burning history. Despite its dark background and its infamous roots, Berlin locals chose to embrace its historical traces and learn from what has transpired during Hitler’s reign.
Other Sights Right Along Bebelplatz
Aside from the plaza itself, there are also plenty of other historical landmarks that can be found at the Bebelplatz. One of them is the state opera house which was actually demolished during the Second World War and eventually restored to its full glory back in the 1950s. St. Hedwig’s cathedral is also one of its main attractions. It is mainly highlighted with the mint green color of its dome which was apparently inspired by the Rome’s Pantheon.
Right along the west side of the Bebelplatz, Berlin’s old library can also be found stretched along a long block. The old library is now considered to be a part of the Humboldt University where popular individuals such as Friedrich Engels, Karl Marx, and the Grimm Brothers were believed to have obtained their university degree. Tourists are free to take some historical tour of the university alongside visiting the old library.