Brandenburg Gate

According to many residents and tourists alike, out of all of the attractions in Berlin the Brandenburg Gate has been depicted as the most important. It is a former city gate – the only one which is still preserved.

Brandenburg Gate

During the times of Germany’s partition the Brandenburg gate was located directly next to the Berlin wall and hence was largely devoid of its proper function. It is only with the fall of the wall in 1989 that the Brandenburg Gate could be officially re-opened and can now be visited by people from all around the world.

Up until autumn of 2002 it was even possible to drive under the gate via car or bus. However the Berlin Senate at the time decided to close the gate to the public so as to prevent any damage from vibrations and exhaust fumes and also to enable visitors to better view the gate. The Brandenburg Gate was designed and erected in the years 1788 to 1791 by C.G. Langhans. The basis for the design came from the Acropolis in Athens upon which the Brandenburg Gate is noticeably modelled. The base of the gate consists of 6 pillars, which divide the gate into five separate passages. As previously mentioned the Brandenburg gate was originally used as a gateway into the city of Berlin. On the basis of these individual passages, at that time one could optimally control those who wanted to come into the city.

Quadriga Brandenburg Gate

Three years after its completion - in the year 1794, the finishing touches were added; the placing of Schadow’s Quadriaga– a chariot with four pre-finished horses upon which the Roman goddess of victory sits. It is worth noting that the Brandenburg gate was barely damaged in the Second World War, this is in contrast to the surrounding buildings which fell victim to the bombing of the Allies. They were subsequently rebuilt around the Pariser Platz at the end of the war.

bigger map view

Today the Pariser Platz serves as a link between the Brandenburg gate and Berlin’s magnificent boulevard “Unter den Linden” (under the linden trees). One of the most historic buildings on the Pariser Platz is the Hotel Adlon. It was destroyed down to its foundations during the Second World War and was subsequently restored to its original self. Today it is considered one of the noblest addresses in Berlin. Furthermore, surrounding the Pariser Platz are architecturally significant houses for example by Liebermann or Sommer. Moreover both the US and French embassies are located here.

Brandenburg Gate

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