Some of the basics, things you're going to see even if you don't try :-)

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Whether you attend a rally, just wander the city, are go specifically to check out the landmarks and attractions that Berlin has to offer, you're going to end up here at some point.  I ended up there several times, and deciced to learn a bit more about the history of the location, and give you a brief summary here.

The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin's most iconic landmarks, rich in history and symbolism. It was commissioned by King Frederick William II of Prussia in 1788 and completed in 1791. The gate was designed by architect Carl Gotthard Langhans in the neoclassical style, inspired by the Acropolis in Athens. Its purpose was originally to mark the entrance to the city of Berlin and serve as a symbol of peace.

Over time, the Brandenburg Gate became a symbol of both German unity and division, as it witnessed several significant historical events:

  1. Napoleonic Era (1806): After Napoleon's victory over Prussia, the Brandenburg Gate was taken as a symbol of conquest. However, when Napoleon was defeated in 1814, the Prussian army marched through the gate in a triumphal procession, symbolizing their victory and restoration of Prussian power.

  2. German Empire (1871): After the unification of Germany, the Brandenburg Gate became a symbol of national unity. It was a celebratory symbol, with imperial German troops marching through it to commemorate their victories.

  3. World War II (1945): During the war, the Brandenburg Gate was severely damaged, and when Berlin was divided in the aftermath, the gate became located at the border between East and West Berlin.

  4. Cold War & Berlin Wall (1961-1989): With the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, the Brandenburg Gate was effectively cut off from both sides, standing in a no-man's land between East and West Berlin. It became a symbol of division and the Cold War.

  5. Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989): In one of the most memorable moments in history, the Brandenburg Gate became a symbol of reunification when the Berlin Wall fell. Thousands of people gathered around the gate to celebrate the end of the division between East and West Germany, marking the beginning of a new chapter in German history.

  6. Post-Reunification: Since the reunification of Germany in 1990, the Brandenburg Gate has become a symbol of the country's unity and its new democratic values. It remains one of the most visited landmarks in Berlin and is often used for cultural events and celebrations, including New Year’s Eve festivities and the annual Day of German Unity.

The gate's history reflects the broader history of Germany, from war and division to peace and reunification. It stands today as a powerful symbol of both the resilience of the German people and the triumph of unity over division.

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