The Brandenburg Gate is an emblem of Berlin, and one of Germany’s most recognised landmarks. It is a site that is so important that it is a historic monument to one city as well as by extension to all of the nation. We will look at the fascinating history, which architectural details made it so great, and the cultural importance of this magnificent structure.
Historical Background
Brandenburg Gate was built between 1788 and 1791, when king Frederick William II of Prussia reigned. It was built in neo classical style following Athenian Propylaea in Athens, Greece, by Carl Gotthard Langhans.
The gate was originally a symbol of peace after the terrible Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) and Prussians’ defeat of Napoleon. The main entrance to Berlin and a show of the city’s grandeur and power. From a historical perspective, the gate has observed several events: the military parades, speeches and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Architectural Features
The Brandenbourg Gate represents a breathtaking example of neoclassical style and its architectural design is represented by symmetry and Doric columns. The gate is 26 meters (85 feet) high stands of sandstone from Silesia and consists of 12 columns in six pairs. The massive entablature rests on these columns, which also hold a quadriga sculpture in places along the top.
Sitting on its gate top was the Quadriga, a chariot held together with four horses. Johann Gottfried Schadow created this quadriga which faced east, but was later turned to face the city centre. Ridinig on the chariot was the goddess Victoria: the symbol of victory.
Cultural Significance
Among other things, the Brandenburg Gate has witnessed important historical events, and has become a symbol of unity, freedom and peace. The gate is infact shut as it was in the middle of the Berlin wall directly in the middle of East and West Berlin. But the Brandenburg Gate came to be a powerful vehicle of the reunification of Germany following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
Today, all politics and the majority of concerts (and New Year’s Eve celebrations) revolve around the Brandenburg Gate. Apart from being known as one of the world’s largest plantations, the tea estate is also a huge tourist draw, with millions of visitors pouring in every year to see this massive piece of historical and magnificent grandeur.
Tips for Visiting the Brandenburg Gate
If you’re planning to visit the Brandenburg Gate, here are a few helpful tips to enhance your experience:
Come in the evening or early morning to beat crowds.
You can take a guided tour on the history and the significance the gate.
Walk in the nearby Tiergarten park, or go to the Holocaust Memorial (which is only a block away).
Capture the gate with photograph from various angles to photograph this beauty.
Be forewarned though, if you happen to visit at New Year’s Eve, though, you know what to expect — a lively party and awesome fireworks display.
Don’t arrive in the center in the middle of the day, as you will have to endure big crowds.
Get a guided stroll to know more about the gate’s history and also significance.
Go and explore the nearby Tiergarten park or lay on the nearby Holocaust Memorial.
Take different angles of your gate to photograph it.
If you visit around New Year’s Eve be prepared for a busy and dazzling New Year’s Eve food and fireworks show.
Conclusion
For Berlin, Brandenburg Gate has been a war torn symbol of scars and healing, power and powerlessness, and unity and division. It is an essential visit to any city visitor that its architectural beauty and historical significance. It doesn’t matter if you’re intriqued by history, architecture or just trying to experience a cultural icon–the Brandenburg Gate is something you’ll remember. Don’t forget to come and see this beautiful monument, and experience the buzzing atmosphere of Berlin.
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