When thinking about going out on the lively Berlin, there is this district named Mitte. Due to its strategic position and history it becomes one of the most visited place for tourist as well as inhabitants of the country. However, East Berlin, is Mitte really located in East Berlin? Now let’s tread down this question and peel the layers of this onion.
The Division of Berlin
In order to appreciate what Mitte brings to the table, it is necessary to discuss a little bit about the history of Berlin. After World War II, the city of Berlin was divided into four sectors: Western and Eastern: American, British, French and Soviet. Mitte which is central Berlin was located in the Soviet sector.
After division, Berlin stood for the cold war; the sector under command of Soviet was East Berlin and the sectors controlled by other allied Western countries were West Berlin. This division was sustained until the Year 1989 when the Berlin Wall came falling down.
Reunification and Mitte
The Berlin city was divided into two parts and after the reunification of Germany in the year 1990 the two sides of Berlin was merged. But, there is still a possibility to notice even the echoes of division more specifically in the names of the districts.
Generally, Mitte stands for middle in German and refers to the middle of Berlin. It is inhabited by many historical sites, government offices, museums and cultural attractions. It is noteworthy that Mitte was in the eastern sector of the city during the division, but it is a part of the unification today.
The Charm of Mitte
This district is very colorful and active; therefore it is an ideal place through which you can get insights on the background of Berlin. Here are some key attractions and highlights that make Mitte a must-visit destination:
1. Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is a unity and peace symbol is situated at the end of Unter den Linden street at the western end. Originally it marked the border between East & West Berlin and now it is a magnificent approach to the heart of the city’s Tiergarten.
2. Museum Island
Officially listed as a part of the UNESCO World Heritage, Museum Island is the place every history and art lover will love. It also contains five main museums that are famous for the whole wide world, such as the Pergamon Museum, the Neues Museum, where people can marvel at exhibits representing art pieces and different relics, for example, monuments of very ancient times.
3. Berlin Cathedral
Mitte also has one of the greatest architectural marvels in the Berlin Cathedral otherwise referred to as the Berliner Dom. At the peak of the dome – there is a vantage point over the city, or explore the beauty of the inter – the details of the décor and the magnificent pipe organ.
4. Checkpoint Charlie
Take a tour to one of the most famous symbols of the division of two parts of Germany at Checkpoint Charlie. Find out more about the city’s Cold War history, find fragments of the dividing ‘Wall’, and get to know what people went through back then.
These are but just but some of scenes that one will enjoy within Germany particularly in the Mitte location. Live music performances, great art spaces, gourmet restaurants, funky cafes, and the best night clubs exist in the district.
Conclusion
So, is Mitte in East Berlin? The answer in a way to this statement is actually ‘yes and no’ since the contents of a website, or the information that it provides is only as credible as the its source and author. What used to be in the East Berlin during the division, Mitte now belongs to the central district of Berlin today. Current days, Mitte constitutes the very impressive excample of both the historical and the modern development of the city, that will be interesting to visit.
While walking through Berlin, try to get familiarized with the indefatigable district of Mitte, worth to be explored in terms of history, culture and, atmosphere.
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