If you are a history enthusiast in Berlin, perhaps one of the best things you can do is walk with a historian to check out the Berlin Wall. This was once a symbolic wall that separated East and West Berlin, that is still a declaration of the Cold War period and a legend of Germany. Here on this walk we will show you the places of interest and also explain the history behind the places of interest.
Checkpoint Charlie: The Famous Border Crossing
Start your walking tour at the Checkpoint Charlie, which was essentially the most popular border crossings between east and west during the cold war. This checkpoint was simply a contact and pressure point between the two parties. Now visitors can find a copy of the guard house and several relics of a similar time and nature to the life of the border personnel and residents.
Once you’re at the Checkpoint Charlie, think about the feelings and fates of people that stood here, trying to cross the border to get to the free West or, on the contrary, striving to reach the socialist East at the cost of their lives. It was just a proof that the social gap that was once an open wound cutting families and friends must be closed.
The East Side Gallery: Art and History
Carry out your walk in the direction of the East Side Gallery, a splendid art showcase that was created on the remaining section of the Berlin Wall; the length of this gallery is 1.3 kilometers. This part of the wall has been painted by over 100 artists with each artist portraying a different message of hope, freedom, unity, and a host of other positive messages.
Be patient and enjoy how many different styles and topics the wall can deliver as far as art is concerned, and how the wall can act as a canvas to pass message. The East Side Gallery is a fine example of people’s defiance and an art piece that every artist and history lover would love to check out on.
Topography of Terror: Unearthing the Past
After that, walk to the Topography of Terror, an open-air and indoor museum, which is located at the address of the Gestapo and SS leaders’ headquarters during World War II. Though not precisely related to the time of the Berlin Wall, this documentation center is useful in understanding the tyranny of Nazi, Germany and causation of division of Berlin.
Take a directlook into the enhanced galleries, photos and records of the Holocaust and the events that led to the results of Hitlers reign and the events that followed shaping Berlin. The knowledge of the Nazi epoch adds to the analysis of the importance of the distinctive construction as well as the dividing element known as the Berlin Wall.
Potsdamer Platz: From Destruction to Rebirth
From the Topography of Terror, turn south to Potsdamer Platz, an historic city square that was virtually obliterated during the war and then cut in two by the Wall. Nowadays, Potsdamer Platz is an important business district with fresh architectural incidences that testify to the reborn and reunified Berlin.
Take a look today at the stunning skyscrapers and crowded streets instead of the abandoned territory which was here only several decades ago! Just look at the split city from the past and watch the transformation that Berlin has seen.
The Wall Memorial: Reflect, Remember, Reconcile
When you are done with your graphical walking tour, the Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial is your next destination. It is possible to visit this place situated in the central part of Berlin and get all the information of the Berlin Wall and its’ effect in the city and the people of Germany. See the restored parts of the wall, watch video and documentaries explaining the events that occurred during the time, and different peoples’s testimonies of how people experienced the war.
The Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial also composes the wall barrier documentation room, where the history and the political scenario behind the build of the wall and its demolition can be learned in detail. They help in enabling people to reflect, remember and reconcile with one another.
Final Thoughts
It’s a strong and emotional physical experience to walk this stretch and feel the layers of history of Berlin and particularly, get to know something about German division and reunification. Every stage of the historical journey depicts success and failure, physical or moral dwarfism as well as the spirit’s power to conquer any obstacle.
When walking through the city following this guide, make sure to spend time reading about each location and the history of the area. Participate in the exhibits, artworks, and thesetContentwhich tells history. I would hope that the journey leads to reflection of the concept of one world and togetherness, of peace and the absence of barriers.
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