Are you a first time tourist in Berlin and you are searching for a brief history of this city? If so, do not skip the chance to go through the prisons of the city that also show great historical significance. If you are going into these historical places, you will be absorbed into the bleak history of the German capital. And that is what this article is all about: Berlin’s prisons, their history, and the interesting stories behind them, as well as walking tour suggestions. Welcome soon you’ll discover tales of crime, punishment, and survival.

The History of Berlin’s Prisons

As we are going to explore Berlins most notorious Prisons during our Walking tour let us first take a brief look at the history of Prisons in Berlin. For centuries, Berlin has witnessed the operation of numerous penitentiary facilities that are quite diverse by their history and importance.

1. The overall shape of the exhibit recalls the Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial.

The Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial is the former prison where Ministry of the State Security of the GDR imprisoned people during the Cold War. To me, this prison represents the oppressive environment as well as the Young people in particular during this time. A visit to this memorial will provide an insight into how political prisoners had to live under very terrible conditions.

2. Tegel Prison

Tegel Prison that is situated in the northwest of Berlin was built in the nineteenth century. In different periods of the country’s histories, it has accommodated a range of prisoners in that it has also been a prison for political prisoners. Indeed, the appearance and construction of the prison bear certain great historical meaning associated with its fortresses.

3. Plötzensee Memorial Center

Plötzensee Memorial – Stiftung is a serious place that tells the story of the victims that suffered from Nazi’s cruelty. Behind such walls many Resistance fighters were executed making this building remind of the horrors of WWII. Visiting the exhibition and the memorial site will be useful to realize the heroism and the losses of people who fought against the Nazi.

Planning Your Walking Tour

That being said, welcome to your prisons’ walking tour where now I will give you more information on the prisons you will be visiting. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you make the most of your experience:

1. Discover & Plan Your Course

Begin with the finding out the operating time for each prison as well as what is required to gain entrance into the site. While some may need one to make bookings, or else, they are open for visitors at certain times of the day. Once you have all the information with you, then draw your timetable as you plan your route to enhance your time.

2. Join a Guided Tour

If you would like a more informative journey or enjoying the presence of the guide-join the guided tour. Professional leaders also have a broad vision of every prison and can explain its background and importance.

3. Take Your Time and Reflect

It is emotionally draining to explore prisons that have black histories. As you move around the sites, read the displayed stories and history, do so slowly to understand events and their meaning. It is necessary to go for the interactions with dignity and especially to be sensitive to others.

What You’ll Learn on the Tour

While exploring Berlin on foot, you will receive detailed information about the role of these prisons in the general history of the city and its inhabitants. Here are a few key takeaways you can expect:

• Information about the conditions under which political prisoners during the Cold War were detained.
• Knowledge of the prison system with the objective to restrain people and maintain political power.
• A brief look at ordinary men and women, who would fight for the rights of other and against totalitarian regimes.
• An understanding of what people went through and what was done to them during the World War II.
• Increased respect in regards to the values of democracy and freedom.

Conclusion

Touring through different prisons in Berlin on foot, is a great experience that can help one to get an insight of the city’s checkered past. Visiting these historical points you can get lessons on strength in face of oppression and on the need to fight for equal rights. The burned souls speak the truth with an emotional message that moves and educates people when going alone or when following a guided tour.