Did you ever dream of reading a book on the history of divided Berlin and the famous Berlin Wall? You might be wondering whether you still can have the chance to visit the wall and to feel what it meant. The answer is yes! The fall of Berlin Wall in 1989 did not fully remove the wall, parts of it have stayed around to give visitors a chance to learn about its history and how significant this moment in the history of all of us, should have been.
History of the Berlin Wall
In order to know when and why the Berlin Wall played such an monumental, central role it its history. Following World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the Allied forces: Great Britain, France, the Soviet Union and the United States. Berlin, too, divided itself into four sectors, deeply in Soviet controlled East Germany.
By the mid 1960s tensions grew between the Soviet Union and Western Allies to such an extent that the Berlin Wall was constructed on 13th August 1961. It served to keep East Berliners in East Berlin, and out of West Berlin, which offered prospects and a more democratic existence.
The Berlin Wall Today
On this day.
1. East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is one of the best known parts of the Berlin Wall that remains standing. Behind this gate to death stretches one kilometer and more, and around 100 murals were painted by artists from around the world. It holds the meaning of freedom and unity.
2. Topography of Terror
Located on the former site of the Gestapo and SS headquarters, the Topography of Terror is an outdoor museum. While not exactly on the same subject as the Berlin Wall, it is nevertheless useful in getting an idea of how the historical events leading to the building of the Berlin Wall and the impact the wall had on Berliners.
3. Checkpoint Charlie
The most well known border crossing point in the divided city was one called Checkpoint Charlie. Today, the Berlin Wall is a museum that lets you see how people tried to escape from East to West Berlin.
4. Berlin Wall Memorial
Part of the original border fortifications is the Berlin Wall Memorial. Remnants of the wall can be seen here, watch informative documentaries and visit the documentation center here in order to learn everything about the history of the wall.
Important Tips for Your Visit
When planning your visit to the Berlin Wall, keep the following tips in mind:
You will be walking long distances so be sure to wear proper shoes as well.
Look for any events or exhibitions near the wall that can help your visit along.
Learn more about the history and meaning of the Berlin wall on a guided tour.
If you want to find the different sections of the wall, bring a map, or use a navigation app, as they are scattered all around the city.
Don’t graffiti or otherwise deface the wall or its historical significance.
In Conclusion
The Berlin Wall was a dividing and oppressive symbol, but now it is a sign of humanity’s ability to rise above the atrocities of division and oppression. Visiting the last sections of the wall and visiting other museums and memorials related to this era will help broaden your understanding of what took place during this period, and help pay tribute to those that were unfortunately touched by its presence. Visit Berlin Wall a site that continues to fascinate and keep people learning around the world.
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