For an absolute newcomer to Berlin history you could be wondering where you could see the remnants of the famous Berlin Wall. Now let’s take a closer look at the places in Berlin where you can see this historical site.
1. East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is a standout attraction for anyone who will be visiting Berlin Wall, check it out! This one is the longest remaining part of the wall, covering 1.3 kilometers of the Spree River and now home to a vast street art or an open-air museum.
Over 100 artists from a rainbow of countries have painted these concrete walls with positive philosophies of the wall’s significance such as unity, freedom and the actual breakage of the wall. Walking in East Side Gallery provides a picture of feelings and challenges experienced in this difficult period in history.
2. Checkpoint Charlie
Historically Checkpoint Charlie is one of the most well-known crossing points between East and West Berlin during Cold War days. The first checkpoint however has been eradicated and in its place a dummy checkpoint exists at Friedrichstraße.
There also located a few small open-air museum, in which you may see an exhibition telling about the destiny of the wall and attempts to escape. After visiting photographs, documents and real objects show that how the divide affected the city.
3. The Berlin Wall Memorial
If you would like to learn more about the history of the Berlin Wall there is no way you would miss the Berlin Wall Memorial. Bernauer Straße This memorial is 1,4 km long and is situated in the former border strip of the death strip.
Here you will see preserved part of the Wall, as well as the border installations and the documentation center in Berlin Wall Memorial. It is equipped with information, people’s stories, and movies that reflect the view point of people divided.
4. Topography of Terror
Sited where the Gestapo and SS headquarters used to be, Topography of Terror is a museum that is both indoor and outdoor. It mostly covers Nazi Germans, but also their impact based on the fall and rise of the Berlin Wall.
In the premises of the exhibition you can see more detailed presentations of the historical context of the construction of the wall and its impact on the world. Interactive displays, photographs and documents expose people suffering, attempts to crossing the wall, freedom fighters and many more.
5. Mauerpark
The name Mauerpark means ‘wall park’ in German and indeed Mauerpark lies in grounds of the former death strip of the Berlin Wall. Erected in this park is a story of the changing face of Berlin, and it is home to arguably the most famous Sunday flea market.
Despite the fact that fragments of the wall are scarce in the park, the amphitheater is comfortable to rest on and invites to enjoy the cinematographic story. For the more adventurous, one can be part of the locals and tourists that do the ‘Bearpit Karaoke,’ – singing melodies without a roof over their heads.
Conclusion
A visit through several places in Berlin enables one to appreciate the importance and full weight of the Berlin Wall. If you are fascinated with art or history or just like to get a feel of the city then the East Side Gallery and Check Point Charlie, the Berlin Wall Memorial, Topography of Terror and Mauerpark all help with appreciation of this structure that once separated Berlin. This sign should be designed in a way that you plan your visit: open your heart to history, experience joy with the reunification of a city that was once split.
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