Brandenburg Gate & Pariser Platz
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Brandenburg Gate - by Thomas Wolf (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Description
The Brandenburg Gate ("Brandenburger Tor" in German) was built in 1788-91 on the orders of the Prussian king Frederick William II as a symbol of peace during the Batavian Revolution. The neoclassical gate consists of twelve Doric columns with a quadriga sculpture (a chariot drawn by four horses - driven by Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory) atop of it. When Berlin wall was demolished in Nov. 1989, the gate symbolized freedom and the desire to unify the city of Berlin. The Pariser square is named after the French capital of Paris to commemorate the anti-Napoleon Allies' victory at the Battle of Paris (1814). It was reduced to rubble during WW2 and became part of the death zone dividing the city. It was completely restored post-reunification.
Access & Transport
The monument is located just to the West of Pariser Platz, at the end of the Unter den Linden, at the border between the Mitte and Tiergarten boroughs. The square and gate are served by the Brandenburger Tor station (U5, S1, S2, S25, S26) and bus interchange. No traffic goes through - it is a pedestrian only area.
Instructions & Recommendations
Any time of the day is good but early morning is the quietest. We recommend combining a visit there with the Holocaust Memorial just to the south of the square or the Reichstag building just to the north.
Environmental & Social
Urban environment but pedestrian only so we deem this activity environmentally neutral. Preserve the city's cultural and historical heritages
Conclusion
The Branderburg Gate and Pariser Platz are highly symbolic of the city's history and of its post-1989 unity and that of Europe. Accordingly, it should be on any visitor's itinerary to the city. It is by no means the most impressive building in Berlin so we would recommend reading-up about it to truly appreciate it.
Key positive
A square and monument that are loaded with history
Very easy to get to
Key negative
Very touristy
Suitability
Suitable for all ages. Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:0h 45m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo