Berlin, Germany The capital of Germany, Berlin is a cultural center that dates back to the 13th century. At one time it was a divided city and today it is well-known for its modern architecture, the art it offers and nightlife. Visitors can still see the graffiti covered remains of the Berlin Wall and one of its landmarks the Brandenburg Gate has become an iconic symbol of reunification. The Reichstag Building sits on the Mauerstreifen, the military zone that was between two sides of the Wall. Today it is the seat of the Federal Government and visitors can get an amazing view of the city from its glass dome. Berlin’s signature attraction is the Brandenburg Gate, built in 1791. Pariser Platz was laid out at the foot of the gate and today …show more content…
Here visitors can see fine collections of china and paintings. It is surrounded by a beautiful palace garden right beside the Spree River. The gardens include the mausoleum of Queen Louise, the Belvedere with its world-renowned collection of KPM porcelain and the new pavilion. Directly opposite are the Charlottenburg museums. The palace was built as a summer residence for Sophie Charlotte, the first Queen of Prussia. There are impressive Baroque state rooms, the famous porcelain cabinet and the new wing built by Frederick the Great in 1742. Located between the Wedding and Mitte districts on Bernauer Strasse is the Berlin Wall Memorial. It consists of the Memorial to the Victims of the Wall, a Documentation Center and the Chapel of Reconciliation. Visitors can get an idea of the reality of the wall seeing the surviving section of the wall and the watchtower. Checkpoint Charlie has been the scene of several spy thrillers and espionage novels ranging from James Bond’s “Octopussy” to “The Spy Who Came in From the Cold” by John le Carre. Starting on September 22, 1961 at the most famous East German – West German border crossing, allied soldiers registered members of the American, British and French armed forces before their trip to East Berlin. The Friedrichstrasse border checkpoint was the scene of the so-called tank stand-off in October 1961. Nearby is the Berlin Wall