November 27th, 2015
Destination? Berlin, Germany, Exploring Berlin, Traveling, Brandenburg Gate, 7 Days in Berlin
Arriving at the Brandenburg Tor (Gate) in the evening it is so impressive. It was quiet too. But still there were a few like us, new in the city, checking the most important sites to see. It is Berlin’s landmark and it represents important turning points within German history. At the end of WWII it remained the only gate to the city still intact.
This is East Berlin. After the construction of the Berlin Wall, Branderburg Tor was right within the restricted area and because of that it was not accessible neither from the West nor from the East. And when the Berlin Wall came down, it actually became a symbol for a reunited Germany and Europe.
As you cross the gate, then look up….
Brandenburg Gate’s most prominent statue is the Quadriga. This is the statue of the goddess of peace, Eirene. Also known as the goddess of victory..riding into the city on a chariot drawn by four horses. This is a copy of the original, which was destroyed in WWII.
During the day Brandenburg Gate’s is full of people. Also, this is a very important place for peaceful demonstrations. Many tours originate at the Gate.
The American Embassy is located here. During our visit it was heavily protected.
Across the street from the American Embassy you will find the French Embassy. Due to the recent tragic developments a memorial could be also found in front of it.
Right on this square is also the Adlon Hotel. Believe it or not this is the hotel where Michael Jackson dangled his baby. I kid you not, they mentioned that on the tour. You can have tea in the afternoons at the hotel.
Living statues…
On week-ends just like in any other city, the visitors come out to explore and catch tours. We took a great free tour by New Europe Tours. Our tour guide, Sam, was so well informed, entertaining and so friendly. These tour guides are self employed. More info? Please visit http://www.neweuropetours.eu.
Sam took us on the Free Tour from Brandenburg Gate to Site of Hitler’s bunker, Holocaust Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, SS Headquarters, The Berlin Wall, TV Towr, Pariser Platz…it was cold but we made it.
And, Georgia took us on an Alternative City Tour…12 Euros. We explored Berlin’s underground in all its grit and graffiti.
Was it cold in Berlin this time of the year? Yest it was.
The week went fast and now I can show you some of the things we did…..stayed tuned.
Tags: 7 Days in Berlin, Activities, Berlin, Brandenburg Gate, Brandenburg Tor, Europe, Exploring Berlin, Germany, Get out of Town, Tours in Berlin, traveling, What to see in Berlin
Awesome! Welcome Home.
Keep on reading, plenty more from Berlin. Thanks for your comments. And yes, it is nice to be home.