The Brandenburger Gate or what is popularly known in Germany, as Branderburger Tor is the symbol of both division and unity in this historical land. When you see a commercial about Germany and Berlin, this landmark is always shown and associated with all that is German.
The Brandenburger Tor was designed by Carl Gotthard and was constructed between 1778 and 1791. The most noticeable is the quadriga of victory crowning the gate. It was by Johann Gottfried Schadow in 1793 as a symbol of peace. When Napoleon occupied Berlin in 1806, this quadriga was taken to Paris. Fortunately, after the Battle of Waterloop, the quadriga was brought back to Berlin as a symbol of victory.
When the Berlin Wall was constructed to separate the Russian-occupied part from the Allied-occupied part (France, US and UK), this gate became a sad and desolate sight symbolizing Germany’s division. However, during the reunification in 1989 when Berlin Wall was opened, it became the place for much celebration symbolizing a united Germany.
Why You Should Not Miss Branderburger Tor
As a tourist in Berlin, it is almost a sin not to visit Brandenburger Tor. It is the one of the most recognizable structure in the world because of its historic structure with the twelve Doric columns. These Doric columns create five passageways through the gate and stand 65 feet high and 213 feet wide. It is a typical classical architecture and the last remaining gate of a series of gates of the old city.
The best time to visit Brandenburger Tor is on a summer afternoon when you can sit among the park seats and marvel at the architecture with a cold drink in your hand. You can even see a beautiful sunset when you stay long enough.
Once you had enough of sitting, you can also see other tourist sights around like the Hotel Adlon where Michael Jackson infamously dangled one of his children from a window. Or you can also walk along Unter den Linden with your camera and take some romantic pictures along the way.
Not far from the Brandenburger Tor is the Reichstag where Germany’s politicians debate over their laws. When you take a walk, you can also see the legendary Friedrichstraße where you can see elegant boutiques and shopping malls such as Quartier 205 and 206 and Galeries Lafayette. Even if you don’t have the budget to buy in these exclusive shops, you will have fun just looking the buildings around the area. If you walk further along, you shall be able to the famous Checkpoint Charlie, which is the border-crossing point for the Allied Forces between East and West Berlin.