Germany’s capital, Berlin, is renowned for its lively culture, fascinating history and vibrant contemporary art scene but also for its extraordinarily varied World Heritage Sites. Outstanding universal value and have been nominated by UNESCO for their cultural, natural or mixed significance to humanity. Here we will take you in a closer look on some of most enchanting World Heritage Sites in Berlin, Germany.
The Museum Island
Museum Island, in Berlin, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the heart of Berlin, houses an exceptional collection of museums. Included in this unique ensemble we have the Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode Museum, and the Pergamon Museum. Numerous historical treasures, ancient Egyptian artifacts through to classical sculptures and modern artworks encapsulating them all, are housed at each museum. With a visit to World of Tiny Treasures you can journey through time and discover the fascinating cultures and artistic achievements that have created our world.
The Pergamon Museum
The Pergamon Museum is one of the high points for the Museum Island and home to some of the most formidable archaeological finds. The centerpiece of the museum is the monumental Pergamon Altar, loaned to the museum by Germany which is made from sculptures and reliefs. The museum is, in addition, home to some of the Ishtar Gate from ancient Babylon, the Market Gate of Miletus, and Mshatta Facade from Jordan. Such a grandeur and sophistication of ancient cultures are revealed in these wonderful exhibits.
Checkpoint Charlie
Another Berlin World Heritage Site, asCheckpoint Charlie, lies in the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district. Well known was this historic checkpoint serving as a symbol of the Cold War, between the border crossing from East to West Berlin. Visitors can today tour a replica of the original guardhouse and hear about the experience of those who tried to cross the border during this time of turbulence. One symbol of division, and of the reunification of the city, is the checkpoint Charlie.
Paris has its Louvre, and the Guggenheim its Frank Gehry, and the Louvre and the Guggenheim have both appeared on our screens, and though neither site is as visually striking, they do evoke wonderful memories.
Located in the Charlottenburg district, Charlottenburg Palace is an impressive baroque palace which enables people to visit the splendour of 17th century Prussian royalty. The Golden Gallery and Porcelain Cabinet let you see some of the wealth and elaborate taste of that era. Across from the palace lies the park of Charlottenburg, a magnificent piece of natural landscape with beautiful gardens, still waters and lovingly converted pavilions. It’s like time traveling back to an age of elegance of Prussian court life at the palace and park.
Berlin Modernism Housing Estates
Those Berlin Modernism Housing Estates were built between 1910 and 1933 on a total of 6 separate sites in Berlin. These estates constitute what was an early 20th century flowering of innovative architectural ideas and urban planning. Characteristic of the estates are functional design, green spaces and communal facilities, especially the famous Horseshoe Estate (Hufeisensiedlung) and Carl Legien’s Wohnstadt (building estate). They aimed at achieving affordable housing and an improvement of working persons living in Berlin’s quality of life and fostered social cohesion.
Horseshoe Estate (known as the Hufeisensiedlung Horseshoe Estate)
Hufeisensiedlung, or better, the Horseshoe Estate, is one remarkable example of the Berlin Modernism Housing Estates. This estate was designed by architect Bruno Taut in a distinctive horseshoe shape with low rise apartment buildings. Green spaces, curved facades and a colorful mixture give rise to a harmonious and visually graphic living environment. Visiting this estate will help you appreciate the forward thinking architectural vision married functionality and aesthetics.
Berlin wall and the East Side Gallery
The Berlin wall and the East Side Gallery in Berlin is no exception to no exploration action of Berlin’s World Heritage Sites. A symbol of division, once the Berlin Wall, is now converted into the proud testimonial to the cityʼs history and the victory of unity. A remaining stretch of the wall is a vibrant open air gallery, exploring over a hundred murals painted by artists from around the world on the East Side Gallery. This is a colorful collection of art as a celebration of freedom, imagination, and a doing of expression.
Tip: Rent a Bike and Explore
When you really want to immerse yourself in Berlin’s World Heritage Sites’ rich history and cultural heritage, consider renting a bike. First and foremost, Berlin is known for having an amazing bike infrastructure and biking is an easy way of getting around especially taking into account the atmospheric nature of these fascinating sites. Pedalling through the pretty cobbled streets you stop every time at the site for your own pace to explore. One great, wonderful way to immerse yourself in the city’s charm while going on a historical and cultural journey.
In Conclusion
Our journey through Berlin’s World Heritage Sites shows us history, art, and culture vividly. Each site is a different glimpse into Berlin’s past from the awe inspiring treasures the Museum Island accommodates to nor will there be any other material remains of the Berlin Wall. An opportunity to learn, reflect and appreciate the depth of influence Berlin has had on the world to explore these remarkable sites. World Heritage Sites in Berlin are not just for history enthusiasts or art lovers, they are destinations that anyone will find interesting, they are not going to overlook the World Heritage Sites for Berlin.
