One of the most significant landmarks in Berlin, Germany, is the Berlin Wall Memorial located in Bernauer Straße. This memorial stands as a powerful reminder of the division that once plagued the city and the enduring symbol of hope and resilience in the face of oppression. Let us take a closer look at the history and significance of this important memorial.
The History of the Berlin Wall
After the Second World War, the allied forces decided to divide Germany between four occupation zones subordinated to the Soviet Union, the US, the United Kingdom and France. When Cold War between the Eastern Bloc, led by Soviet Union and the Western Allies was beginning to emerge Berlin became the epicenter.
The GDR built the invisible Berlin Wall in August 1961 to seal those that wanted to cross over to the West. The wall became a strong structure, built in 155 km and separating Berlin into Eastern and Western part for the next 28 years. It was designed specifically to give authorities proper control of migration; those who tried to cross such a line faced imprisonment or death.
The Berlin Wall is the embodied sign of the Cold War and symbolised communism and democracy, mainly the battle in between. The wall divided the families and friends, besides acting as a reminder of civilization’s aftermath by causing a physical and psychological injury on the city.
Bernauer Straße – one of the most known places connected with the division of Germany by the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall Memorial is yet another example of the most important memorial to the divided city and those people who separated it. Sitting on Bernauer Straße, it has a number of components that give information regarding the wall and the difficulties experienced by the people on the two sides of the divide.
The Documentation Center
Located at the central exhibition site of the Berlin Wall Memorial, the Documentation Center is designed to introduce the key points of the topic. It shows a number of exhibits, photographs and people’s stories about division and its influence on people and city of Berlin.
The Wall Strip
The Wall Strip makes it possible for the visitors to touch the wall as they move along the corridor. Measuring 1.4 kilometers in length, this piece of restored border barrier represents history in a rather unfriendly manner. The various parts of the wall have been displayed, and the various strategies employed by east Germans in their bid to escape west has also been well demonstrated.
The Chapel of Reconciliation
Included into the area of the Berlin Wall Memorial, Chapel of Reconciliation was reconstructed as a sign of hope and reconciliation. The old church which was situated in the ‘death strip’ was pulled down by the GDR in 1985. He said its reconstruction became a symbol of the people’s ability to rise again and efforts to for unity and peace.
The Window of Remembrance
There is a part of the memorial which is called the Window of Remembrance. This piece of the Berlin Wall has the names of the 138 people who were killed when they tried to escape across the Wall. To the best of the knowledge each of the names reflects a tragedy of lives lost fighting for liberty.
The Significance and Legacy
The freed area is not only the Berlin Wall Memorial itself which stands for a specific historical period, but also the symbol of the human spirit. It also directs their attention to the proven fact that the brutalities occurred and to the ongoing fight for liberty.
Going to see the Berlin Wall Memorial is something that I believe everyone involved in the Cold war should visit especially if they want to learn quite a number of things. I believe it would provide a different view of existing people’s lives and help to pay tribute to the victims of the hierarchical regime.
Using the Berlin wall memorial as a tool to shed a light on this history it possible to understand how people appreciated the freedom which is available today. It will be a symbol of the victory of hope, of remembering and possibilities of bridging division.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re planning a visit to Berlin, the Berlin Wall Memorial should be on your itinerary. Entry to the memorial is free of charge, and guided tours are available for a more in-depth experience.
The memorial is easily accessible by public transportation, with nearby train and tram stations. It is recommended to allocate at least a few hours to fully explore the memorial and immerse yourself in its history.
Remember to bring comfortable footwear, as there is a significant amount of walking involved in exploring the various sections of the memorial. Additionally, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the poignant moments and powerful visuals.
Strolling along Bernauer Straße and experiencing the Berlin Wall Memorial is an unforgettable journey through history. It offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the trials and triumphs of a divided city and serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit of those affected by the Berlin Wall.
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