Although Berlins wall was demolished in 1989, sections of the wall that was once an informative symbol of a divided Germany can still be seen at different parts in Berlin today. These parts are the tokens of a split city and these are significant because they signify the victory of the unification, that is why they draw many tourists besides being key history significant monuments. Thus, in this article, the author will focus on explaining the meaning of the Berlin Wall separate parts that had been preserved in one or another country and studying the history of the fragments.
The East Side Gallery
The largest and internationally most renowned preserved segment is the East Side Gallery. Located on the Mühlenstraße next to the Spree river, the East Side Gallery is an open-air museum of more than a hundred artworks in the shape of frescoes by artists from all over the world, that is over 1.3 kilometers long. All of them are stencils and each of them has its own story and message: freedom, peace, political protest.
Strolling with the East Side Gallery also enables the visitor to go through the art and at the same time have a brief history about the Berlin Wall. It is an indomitable evidence of spirit and yearning for a better and integrated global society.
Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie is located in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg; it was one of the most famous check point during Cold War period. Although the dividing barrier and the guardhouse are no longer located here, a copy of the guardhouse warns of the dividing a West and East Berlin.
Today, Checkpoint Charlie is a well-known universal landmark that provides tourists with a chance to find out more about the history of the division through a nearby museum . Through pieces and articles, photos and narratives, the museum represents the life in the divided city and the great escape attempts of East Germans. Checkpoint Charlie allows a look at how people lived in a city divided by political beliefs and constant struggles.
Other Remnants
Apart from the East Side Gallery and the Checkpoint Charlie there are several other parts of the wall throughout Berlin.
The Wall at Bernauer Strasse
Bernauer Strasse street was among the most popular one that was crossed by the Berlin Wall. Today there is a small preserved section of the wall with a documentation center next to that which really shows the full understanding of how devastating the wall was to the community. There is a section of the wall running mid air across the street, this is where the East and the West used to meet and there also a memorial area to pay tribute to those who died whilst trying to cross over the barrier.
Topography of Terror
The Topography of Terror isn’t actually part of the original ‘Berlin Wall’, but you can find it along confiscated land of the former Nazi SS and Gestapo headquarters. Among the exhibits there is a wall structure preserved that is meaningful and allows the viewer have a moment on the historical aspect of the city and how it came to being divided in Berlin.
Other Hidden Corners
They which you may find in different corners of the city in yards, or in the alleys of different neighborhoods. Such findings provide more details and a better and closer view on the history of constructing the wall and reunification of the city.
Museum and Feelings of Oneness
Every piece of Berlin Wall has to be preserved and rightfully displayed so that future generations may see for themselves how a city was once divided. These fragments are symbolic: fragments telling about the power of spirit, about the desire of people for freedom, about the power of unity. Although today they are restored and serve as tourist attractions the places remain as evidence of division which went beyond mere wall and including the cold war era of East and West Berlin.
Through these historical places, a message about freedom is conveyed, viewers can learn the suffering of the people during the time of Cold War, and also enjoy the moment as the country reunites in 1989. Berlin Wall – including the remaining portions – should be discussed with the view to emphasize the role of unity and to stress the need to affect and tear down walls.
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