Flea Market at Rathaus Schöneberg — Attraction in Berlin

The story of "Ich bin ein Berliner" revolves around one of the most iconic speeches in history, delivered by the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy. The speech took place on June 26, 1963, in West Berlin, at the Rathaus Schöneberg, during the height of the Cold War and the construction of the Berlin Wall.

Background: In the aftermath of World War II, Germany was divided into two separate countries: West Germany, officially known as the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), and East Germany, known as the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Berlin, the capital city, was also divided into East and West Berlin, despite being situated deep inside East German territory. The city became a symbol of the ideological and political struggle between the democratic Western bloc led by the United States and the communist Eastern bloc led by the Soviet Union.

The Construction of the Berlin Wall: In August 1961, the East German government, backed by the Soviet Union, erected the Berlin Wall to prevent East Berliners from defecting to the West. The wall physically separated the two parts of the city, effectively cutting off families, friends, and communities. The wall was a stark manifestation of the Iron Curtain, which divided Europe into two opposing spheres of influence.

The Speech: Against this backdrop, President John F. Kennedy traveled to West Berlin to demonstrate his support for the people of the city and to reaffirm the United States' commitment to the defense of West Berlin. Standing on the steps of the Rathaus Schöneberg in front of a massive crowd, Kennedy began his historic speech:

"Two thousand years ago, the proudest boast was 'civis Romanus sum.' Today, in the world of freedom, the proudest boast is 'Ich bin ein Berliner.'"

With this sentence, Kennedy conveyed a powerful message of solidarity with the people of Berlin. By declaring, "Ich bin ein Berliner," which translates to "I am a Berliner," he not only expressed his personal connection with the city but also symbolized the support of the United States for all Berliners who were facing the challenges of living in a divided city.

Kennedy continued his speech by condemning communism and affirming the shared values of freedom and democracy between the United States and West Berlin. He emphasized that the Western world stood united against the threat of communism and that the people of Berlin were not alone in their struggle.

Impact: The "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech resonated deeply with the people of West Berlin and became a defining moment in the Cold War. It was widely regarded as a powerful symbol of American commitment to defending freedom and democracy. The speech also demonstrated the strong bond between the United States and West Germany during those tumultuous times.

John F. Kennedy's visit and his words provided a morale boost to the people of Berlin, reinforcing their determination to resist the oppressive nature of the East German regime and the Berlin Wall. The speech remains a lasting testament to the human spirit's resilience and the enduring desire for freedom even in the face of daunting challenges.

Today, "Ich bin ein Berliner" stands as an iconic phrase that continues to evoke the spirit of solidarity and freedom, reminding people of the importance of unity in the pursuit of...

Came early on a saturday to try to beat the June heat but there was no one there (around 10). Decided to wait in the park next to the market for more stands to set up shop and waited until 12:30. Beautiful park! But when we walked back, most of the stands were set up but NONE of them had anything for sale. It was all just businesses with booths advertising their products/services, and none of them were thrift stores or anything like it. I came for a flea market and got a corporate promo market, honestly very disappointed. Headed over to Thaipark and got lunch there and went to the market next to that which was...

This is such a unique place. :) You have on one hand the professionell sellers and resellers with overpriced random things and boxes full of Nippes and on the other hand you have the locals selling their things. You find 45% clothes and shoes and then a lot of other neat things. Worth checking out. PRO tip: you really need to haggle with the resellers. Otherwise you pay too much. A must visit from April to October. In cold months I dont recommend it. I...