Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is home to some of the most iconic buildings in the city which speak about its stimulating history and architectural icing. However, these structures are so cultural, so political, so historical in nature, that they are required structures that every traveler of the city should come to see. This article will venture some of the most popular structures on the capital buildings of Berlin.

Reichstag Building

Reichstagsgebäude, a building in German, is one of Berlin’s most recognizable symbols. It is located at the centre of the city, and houses the German parliament Bundestag. The building, designed by architect Paul Wallot, was completed in 1894, but major renovations were undertaken by the 1990s following reunification.

The glass dome which is made up of one of the most distinctive features of the Reichstag Building, provides a birds eye view of Berlin. From visitors’ point of view, they can reach to the roof terrace of the dome and see the spectacular view of Berlin skyline including the Brandenburg Gate and Tiergarten.

Brandenburg Gate

Perhaps the most iconic symbol of both Berlin and of all of Germany is the Brandenburg Gate, or Brandenburger Tor. This sits at the western end of Unter den Linden, a famous boulevard in the city centre.

The gate’s design comprises twelve Doric columns and a chariot on top that represents Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory. Through history, the Brandenburg Gate has seen many political events as a symbol of Germany’s Cold War division and, post war, its reunification.

Charlottenburg Palace

Schloss Charlottenburg is the largest palace in Berlin, as was Charlottenburg Palace. Built as a summer residence for Elector Frederick III and his wife Sophie Charlotte in the late 17th century, this features the most spectacular Baroque and Rococo architecture.

An opportunity to explore charlottenburg palace’s grand halls, including its opulent state apartments and its delightful gardens that surround the palace, for visitors are on offer. Take in the New Wing as you can take in a Porcelain Cabinet with a fine assortment of porcelain artifacts from the Royal Manufacture.

Victory Column

Proudly in Berlin’s Tiergarten park stands the Victory Column, or the Siegessäule. This monument was built to honor of Prussia’s military successes of the late 19th century, including the German Danish War, the Austro-Prussian War and the Franco Prussian War.

It is a 67 meters high column which includes an observation deck at the top, which can be accessed by an internal spiral staircase. It means from this vantage point visitors can see stunning views of the Berlin’s surrounding cityscape.

Holocaust Memorial

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, or Holocaust Memorial, officially, is a testament to the victims of the Holocaust. The 2,711 concrete slabs that make up this memorial vary in height and are laid on a slope, in a grid pattern, to form this memorial.

As visitors explore this somber memorial they are asked to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust. Additional aspects of this dark period of history are revealed in the underground Information Center.

Conclusion

Berlin’s capital buildings are not only beautiful architectural sights, but also stories of Berlin’s history and its resilience. There’s the magnificent Charlottenburg Palace, to take the grandeur of Berlin’s past, or to ponder on the Holocaust Memorial… or experience the panoramic views from the Reichstag’s glass dome… each representsBerlin’s past and present. Be sure to put these capital buildings in your itinery for an unforgettable and profound visit in Berlin.