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KaDeWe (Department store of the West)
Source: pixelio.de Photographer: Peter Kirchhoff
A very special attraction set in Berlin is the KaDeWe shopping mall. It is the largest department store in continental Europe; trumped only by the mega department store Harrods in London.
Even from the outside the KaDeWe enthrals with its imposing architecture that originates from the ‘pen’ of Emil Schaudt. Already opened in 1906, this department store is one of the first and oldest department stores across Europe. During the times of economic boom in the ’20’s, the department store became a popular meeting point for the rich and beautiful and was already offering goods which could not be bought anywhere else in Germany.
Like many buildings in Berlin, the KaDeWe department store was victim to the countless bombing raids by the Allies during the Second World War. As a result it was razed to the ground. In order to boost the economy, reconstruction of the building began shortly after the end of the war enabling it to re-open in 1950. However, at this point only a small part of the department store was suitable for public access. It was another six years before all parts of the KaDeWe were completely restored.
The KaDeWe attained its great reputation for its association with the German economic miracle during the course of the fifties. It became a symbol for ‘new Germany – whose market economy annually reached new records.
For this reason it became necessary for the KaDeWe to be rebuilt and expanded several times over within a few years. Fortunately much of the old ‘substance’ was retained so that today it is not only the incredible range of merchandise on offer that impresses, but also the department store’s architecture.
Nowadays the store has six floors in total, including the world famous delicatessen. Here everything that the gourmet-heart desires can be found. Those who would like to eat on location can do so in the restaurant under the roof. Additionally the store entices with a large winter garden and many other attractions.
Visitorinformation
Adress: Kaufhaus des Westens - KaDeWe, Tauentzienstraße 21-24 1, 10789 Berlin-Charlottenburg
Website: http://www.kadewe.com
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