Germany has so many things to offer and places to visit that you would fall into quandary where to go first. However, we would help you ease the job as we suggest that you go visit the remarkable Reichstag building. Of all the wonders of Berlin, Germany why would you choose to set foot in Reichstag? However, you will later realize that this is not a tough question to answer after all.
Reichstag: the Seat of the German Parliament
Considered as one of Germany’s historic attraction in modern times, Reichstag continues to gather awe and admiration from visitors who go and visit the place. Geographically, Reichstag is located closely to Brandenburger Tor. The Reichstag building was reconstructed (after it had remained damaged until the reunification of Germany) by internationally established architect Norman Foster. Reichstag has also been considered as the meeting place of the Modern German Parliament or the Bundenstag.
Reichstag is for the German People
The Reichstag building is primarily dedicated to the German people hence the iconic words, Dem Deutschen Volke. The adage for the German people was carved just above the central facade of the building in 1916. However, Wilhelm I, the first German emperor, was not in favour of putting the iconic words since it signified democratic significance. But at present, the inscription is still being hailed which was under Weimar Republic.
As Reichstag continues to face the test of time, it was set afire on February 27, 1933 which ironically favoured the Nazis as they increased the state of security in entire Germany at that point of time. And so, for 12 years, the Reichstag building didn’t hold any parliamentary sessions.
Reichstag and Reunification
If you want to know more things about Reichstag, apart from its perfectly constructed physical aspects, you have to know its role during the reunification of Germany as well. For the record, the official ceremony for German unification took place in Reichstag building on October 3, 1990 and was attended by many politicians namely Chancellor Helmut Kohl, former Chancellor Willy Brandt, President Richard von Weizsäcker, and many others.
The Reichstag and its Renowned Dome
If you will take a tour in Reichstag building you will immediately get astounded with its famous representation of large glass dome located on the top of the building. The Reichstag Dome as it is called, features a 360 degree view of the proximate Berlin cityscape. The main characteristic of the dome that you will easily identify is the natural light being emitted down to the floor of the parliament.
As you plan to go to the Reichstag building, you have to know that you will experience waiting queues due to massive number of people who want to see the place—registration is not required though.