Introduction
When in Berlin, the best way to establish some connection with the city’s past and some of its legacies is through the statues and monuments tour. There are a lot of people whose statues can be found all over Berlin and every single one of them has something very interesting to share. Here in this blog post, let us take you through some of the familiar statues and explain to you why they are important in the history.
1. Brandenburg Gate
It will be remiss not to visit the Brandenburg Gate after discussing statues and monuments of Berlin. It is neoclassical triumphal arch of the late 18th century that signifies unity and is widely accepted symbol of the city. It has a very important place in Germany history, the country saw Napoleon’s victory and the Bern Wall coming down.
Key Highlights:
This building was erected between 1788 and 1791
The palace situated in Pariser Platz at the western end of Unter den Linden boulevard
Attached to the roof and has a Quadriga sculpture mounted on top that represents the goddess of victory, driving a chariot.
Unknow to many simply because it was located at the Berlin Wall’s border zone the documentation has become a symbol of reunification.
Built of 1788 and 1791
As seen in Pariser Platz at the western end to Unter den Linden Boulevard
Has a picture of the Quadriga that has now become the symbol of Wall Street on top driving a chariot of victory with a goddess of victory.
What used to be out of reach because it was built right on the border with the ‘death strip’ of the Berlin Wall is today the symbol of reunification.
2. The Ampelmännchen
But although it is not a conventional monument, Berlin could scarcely imagine its landscape without the Ampelmännchen, or the little traffic light man. It has a very peculiar design of a pedestrian traffic light in form of a man wearing a hat – were designed by an East German company in the 1970s and make Dresden the only city in Germany with this type of signal.
Key Highlights:
Developed by traffic psychologist Karl Peglau in the year 1961
Initially developed as the separate street lights for East German cars and those of West Germany
Now a symbol of Berlin with shops selling souvenirs in the form of the legendary Ampelmännchen.
Gives the reader a glimpse of the socialist division of the city and how cultural materiality of ordinary objects affected the population.
Developed by traffic psychologist Karl Peglau in 1961
Even though it was commonly known that these signboards were originally meant to distinguish traffic lights in the East from the ones in the West Germany.
Now, you can see it is an iconic symbol of Berlin, although different kinds of souvenirs with images of Ampelmännchen are sold in stores.
Traces the city’s segregated history and how material culture affects individuals.
3. The Berlin Bear
Being the mascot of the city, the Berlin Bear can be seen almost anywhere in Berlin in a form of statues, sculptures or emblazoned on its coat of arms. The bear has had great importance for the Berlin for ages and symbolizes the spirits of the city and its people.
Key Highlights:
The bear first began in the thirteenth century and was found on the official emblem of the region known as the Electorate of Brandenburg.
Mainly painted in an erect posture favoring the hind limbs that are associated with power and royalty.
Feel free to search for the statue of the Berlin Bear at the entrance to the Berlin Zoological Garden
Ideal for taking a picture and very useful as to remember Berlin has a history
The earliest known ancestor of the bear was used in the 13th century Seal of the Electorate of Brandenburg.
Besides the fact that it is a four legged animal, it is often painted on two legs which are sign of power an might.
When going to the Berlin Zoological Garden you will find the statue of this great animal right at the entrance.
Ideal for a photo stop and an indication of what Berlin was like some decades ago
4. The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
It goes by the name of the Holocaust Memorial In recognition of the millions of Jews who lost their lives during World War II. Its other design an undulating field of concrete blocks where visitors can contemplate the scale of holocaust and offer them a unique place of honor.
Key Highlights:
The England venue has been designed by architect Peter Eisenman and engineering consultants Buro Happold.
Major of it comprises of 2,711 concrete slabs which are of different heights.
This conflict is situated in close proximity to the Brandenburg Gate and the building of roaring Reichstag.
A reminder and a call to reflect on the Holocaust
With a design of architect Peter Eisenman and engineering support of Buro Happold
Comprises of 2,711 concrete slabs whose heights are in some way dissimilar.
This hall is located near famous Berlin attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate and the building, housing the German Reichstag.
A reminder and an intrication to engage with the contemplation of the holocaust.
5. Frederick the Great’s equestrian statue
Located in the middle of Berlin this colored bronze sculpture is a statue of one of Prussia’s most famous Kings Frederick the Great. Frederick the Great is well-evident of his army triumphs and his contributions to arts and sciences, laid foundations of Berlin as a cultural and political city.
Key Highlights:
Made by admired German sculptor Christian Daniel Rauch
It was first introduced in 1851 and it is situated on a large stand.
Based in one of Berlin’s oldest streets, Unter den Linden.
In this article, sacred production is paid to the works of Prussia’s beloved king Frederick the Great for the development of Berlin and Prussian historical past.
Sculpted by an eminent German sculptor Christian Daniel Rauch
It was inaugurated only in October 14 1851 and is placed on a very large pedestal.
Slocated in the central Under den Linden boulevard of the historical center of Berlin.
It is much to the credit of the man himself and Berlin and Prussian history to pay homage to Frederick the Great.
Conclusion
Conducting the walking tour through the exploration of Berlin’s statues and monuments provides a great opportunity to educate people through experience. If you’re keen on the majesty of Brandenburg Gate or the influence of the Ampelmännchen or the significance of the Berlin Bear or the commemoration of the atrocities at the Holocaust Memorial or the triumphant spirit of Frederick the Great each is a story worth telling and each adds a new dimension to the city of Berlin. Therefore, wear your comfortable shoes, take a compass and let’s start an amazing travelling through the persons who made Berlin famous!
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