Besides its reputation for being rich in history, vibrant in culture and house to iconic landmarks, Berlin, the capital of Germany is also famous for its incredible architectural marvels. Two of the main sights among these are Rotes Rathaus (Red City Hall) and Neptune Fountain, which both remain popular attractions with the locals and visitors alike since centuries.
Discovering Rotes Rathaus
Rotes Rathaus is a stunning neo-Renaissance building in Berlin’s centre, Mitte, and is the seat of the city’s local government. The huge red brick facade and intricate features of this building are turns heads.
Rotes Rathaus was opened between 1861 and 1869 by Hermann Friedrich Waesemann, originally built, and it will leave you spell bound for its grandeur. The building gets its name due to the colour of the bricks used within ‘Red City Hall’.
You enter a world of history and politics, as you come in. Its ceremonial hall in Rotes Rathaus is spacious, and decorated with intricate ornaments and cool frescoes illustrating landmark episodes from Berlin’s history. Here you move around the building and can explore parts of the city’s rich political heritage.
Neptune Fountain – The Story Behind
The Neptune Fountain is a well known landmark in the courtyard of Rotes Rathaus and is an extension of this historical site. Reinhold Begas, a famous German sculptor, designed this fountain in 1891, and though it has been refurbished about an ounce, it still stands tall as Neptunbrunnen, or as ‘Neptune fountain’ in English.
Neptune Fountain is named for the Roman god of the sea, Neptune, who appears long of leg and in a seashell chariot driven by four magnificent horses. Allegorical figures – the rivers and seas of Prussia, with Neptune at the central figure – surround him.
From its modern glass roof top onwards, the fountain is the testimony to Berlin’s tradition of water and maritime trade. Not only is it a visual masterpiece but it’s a portal into the city’s waterways, something that goes back historic.
The Beauty and Symbolism, explored
Rotes Rathaus and Neptune Fountain are majestic architecture and has rich symbolism, and visiting it give you the chance to witness both the architecture and symbolism. Rotes Rathaus, and the Neptune Fountain, are two pieces of artistry and attention to detail alike that will leave you in awe.
When you come, walk around the courtyard of Rotes Rathaus and admire the Neptune Fountain. Look at the quiet on Neptune’s face and how is he his chariot passing through the waters.
If you stroll through the courtyard you’ll realize that the sculptures all around the fountain are very intricate. Each figure is a river or a sea, a steady reminder that Berlin’s history has been shaped by the vast maritime connections. Enjoy the workmanship and let the stories go through your head.
Capturing Memorable Moments
Not only are those visual delights but incredible photography spots. If you are an amateur or a professional, the wonderful architecture, nice sculptures and beautifully landscaped environs are perfect to capture through your lens.
Experiment with different angles, different perspectives or playing with the majestc Rotes Rathaus as a backdrop for some great portraits. Light and shadow is another layer of complexity and beauty to your photographs.
Plan Your Visit
Rotes Rathaus and Neptune Fountain are places if you’re going to take a trip to Berlin. During peak hours it is the best way to reach the area with the U-Bahn or S-Bahn unfortunately parking can be limited in the city center.
While entry to Rotes Rathaus is normally only possible on guided tours or in the course of official business, you can come in free of charge in the courtyard and admire the fountain. In advance, make sure to check visiting hours so you don’t go disappointed.
Make sure you come armed with your camera, your comfortable walking shoes, and you sense of wonder as you explore this fantastical history and beauty of Berlin.
Museums such as Rotes Rathaus and Neptune Fountain will take you back in time and explore Berlin’s intrigue past. Therefore, avoid the possibility to see these landmarks full of grandeur and symbolism on visit to the city.
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