Brandenburger Tor — Local services in Berlin

The Brandenburg Gate, located in the heart of Berlin, is an iconic symbol of Germany's tumultuous history. Completed in 1791, the gate has stood witness to centuries of upheaval and change, from the triumphs of the Prussian Empire to the horrors of the Holocaust. Today, the Brandenburg Gate stands as a symbol of unity and freedom, having played a central role in the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The gate has become one of Berlin's most visited tourist attractions, attracting millions of visitors each year. History of the Brandenburg Gate The Brandenburg Gate was commissioned by King Frederick William II of Prussia as a symbol of peace and victory after the end of the Seven Years' War. Designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans, the gate was inspired by the Propylaea, the gateway to the Acropolis in Athens. The gate features 12 Doric columns, six on each side, supporting an entablature with a frieze of horses and chariots. Above the frieze is a quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses driven by the goddess Eirene, symbolizing peace. In 1806, Napoleon Bonaparte entered Berlin and ordered the quadriga to be taken to Paris as a war trophy. The quadriga was returned to Berlin in 1814 after Napoleon's defeat. During the 19th century, the Brandenburg Gate became an essential symbol of Prussian power and was often used to celebrate military victories. During World War II, the Brandenburg Gate was heavily damaged by Allied bombing raids. After the war, Berlin was divided into four zones, with the Brandenburg Gate located in the Soviet-controlled zone. The gate became a symbol of the Cold War and the division of Germany. In 1961, the East German government erected the Berlin Wall, which ran just a few meters to the east of the gate. The gate was inaccessible for almost three decades, and the quadriga was covered in graffiti and bullet holes. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall fell, signalling the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany. Thousands of people flocked to the Brandenburg Gate to celebrate the historic moment, and the gate became a symbol of hope and unity. The quadriga was restored, and the gate was again opened to the public. Today, the gate is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Germany's commitment to freedom and democracy. The Brandenburg Gate today The Brandenburg Gate is a popular destination for tourists and locals. The gate is at the end of Unter den Linden, a tree-lined boulevard that runs through the heart of Berlin. Visitors can walk through the gate and explore the surrounding area, home to many museums, restaurants, and shops. The entrance is also famous for events and celebrations, including the annual New Year's Eve party. The Brandenburg Gate has become an important symbol of Berlin's past and present. It stands as a testament to the German people's resilience and commitment to democracy...

A starting place for all the free tour in the city. Rich history to be learnt here. If you are looking to settle your meal here, it is very expensive and very little restaurants that you can find here. And even the water here are very expensive at 2.5 euros for small bottle. This is also a huge place with a lot of new buildings that was build not long ago. Definitely worth a visit, walking pass the brandenburger gate symbolises the walk of power in the past.

Can be easily found once you exit the...

Such a fantastic monument and so iconic! This, together with the remains of the wall and the Check point Charlie in it, are part of the recent World history. On the one hand, it's so sad that such a division once existed. On the other hand, this can still make us men and women hopeful that mankind will one day live in peace with no separation between the different peoples/races/religions of the world. As John Lennon said, you can think I'm a dreamer but I'm not...