The Vibrant Architecture of Berlin
Greetings to Berlin; the city with checkered history, vibrant multicultural ambiance and architectural marvels. Regardless of whether you are history junky, or an art connoisseur, or just a thinking traveller, wandering around Berlin’s architectural landmarks is a recommended activity. While originating in the gothic architecture of such Nikolai Quarter as the oldest one in the city, Berlin also boasts magnificent new Potsdamer Platz.
Understanding Berlin’s Architectural Styles
Before you begin your tour to the architecture of the city of Berlin, it is important that you will be aware of the different architectures that are present in the city. Let’s explore some of the prominent architectural styles you’ll encounter:
1. Gothic Architecture
Middle Ages Berlin saw the use of gothic architecture. This style of architecture is characterized by thin pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and lot of stone tracery examples of which are the Berliner Dom in Germany. Many of these buildings are of the old architectures and it is worth to wonder and appreciate the fantastic arkitecture of Berlin.
2. Prussian Architecture
The basic of the Prussian architectural style is attributed to Frederick II, the king of Prussia. This style is characterized by symmetry, deep monumental façade and applied ornamentation. places such as the Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate or Charlottenburg Palace give kingdoms and royalty of Prussian architecture. Find yourself teleported to the Victorian age as you walk around these structures.
3. Bauhaus Architecture
Within the Berlin area, it was possible to mention the great part of the Bauhaus, a movement that changed the art and design schools. The Bauhaus architecture adopts simplicity, functionality and deleted lines. Visit the Bauhaus Archive, which is a unique building that contains a great number of artworks, as well as typed papers and furniture created by Bauhaus masters.
4. Modern Architecture
New Age architecture is not left out in Berlin’s modern looking sky line. Take a detailed tour at Potsdamer Platz which is one of the busiest squares that display fascinating architectural features. The Sony Center those with the large glass roof to the atrium and Kollhoff Tower which comprises an extensive observatory deck with complete views of the city should not be missed.
Exploring Berlin’s Architectural Icons
1. Berlin Wall Memorial
If there is one monument that should not be missed in terms of architecture it is the Berlin Wall Memorial. This imposing emblema is dedicated to the crevice that used to define this city. Visit the remains of the wall and think how the history of this city looks like while walking through this place.
2. Museum Island
Museum Island is a small island situated in the middle of Berlin river and containing five famous museums, known as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Neues Museum with Egyptian treasures, the Pergamon Museum and the Altes Museum with classical treasures – every building of this museum presents an architectural and art masterpiece with exhibitions on history.
3. Reichstag Building
The curtain raiser of this paper is the historical and state of art structure of the Reichstag building that houses the German Parliament. Join a guided tour and move to the last level that is a transparent dome for viewing Berlin skyline. Do not forget that you need to make prior appointment with the place!
4. Alexanderplatz
Copenhagen’s Tårnby Baths was a fine example of this trend looking to the centre of a city, while Alexanderplatz in Berlin is one of the most significant modern public squares in the world today offering a slice of modern architecture and developments. Forming a major structure on the city skyline is the TV Tower (Fernsehturm) which has an observation platform to those fascinated by the vista. It is equally important to visit Berlin landmarks as well as discover new impressive buildings such as Berliner Rathaus and Alexa shopping and business center.
A Free Walking Tour of Berlin’s Architectural Delights
That is why, in order to unveil all the sights of Berlin, it is recommended to take a free of charge guided tour. These tours are normally conducted by professional guides, who relay a lot of interesting information about the city; its historical background and especially the builidngs. The guides sometimes prefer earning based on the tips, which means you can adjust the amount of money that you want to spend depending on the final result.
Here are a few popular free walking tours in Berlin:
1. “Discover Berlin’s Architecture”
Sit back and let me take you on a trip through the different buildings of Berlin’s architectural eras. Visit famous sights, lesser known spots and learn the history of the monuments to be visited. The journey usually goes for a maximum of 2 hours and the guests are dropped off at a central point thus it’s convenient.
2. “East Berlin Architecture”
Discover the rich architecture of East Berlin in this focused strolls tour. View the typical architecture of the period which developed during the division of the city and understand the role that socio-political events played on the architecture of that age.
Conclusion
Berliner Baukunst as an evidence of history development, diversification, and progressive liberal thought of Berlin. Among architectural marvels, Berlin offers everything from medieval cathedral with gothic architecture to breathtaking modern skyscraper. Taking this free walking tour, you will be able to actually see through the various pieces of architecture what Berlin has been, is, and maybe will be.
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