For any lover of historical structures such as historical landmarks and sites, the Best bet goes to Wall of Berlin. Stretched out to over 155 kilometers in length it was this structure that maintained the history of Berlin and the world divided. If you are new to the world of learning about the Wall of Berlin and are looking for some context on its location and its importance this is the right place for you.
1. Overview of the Berlin Wall
Up to the time of the cold war, Berlin wall was built in 1961, to divide east and West Berlin. That is why it became an embodiment of the clash of the two ideologies – capitalism and communism. Despite of the fact the the majority of the wall was knocked down in 1989 in conjunction with the collapse of the Berlin Wall, parts of this important structure can still be seen today in the city of Berlin.
- East Side Gallery
A portion of the East Side Gallery is one of the most popular and easy to visit sites to view the remaining parts of the Berlin Wall. The East Side Gallery is an open-air museum in Friedrichshain, Berlin, near the Spree River comprising murals of varying color and sizes painted at the four kilometers of the wall, or especially a 1.3 kilometers piece that is particularly famous. I have no doubt these artworks help to remind the visitor of the wall and its purpose, of freedom and the longing for a more unified world.
- Berlin Wall Memorial
To get more insight of this Wall of Berlin, therefore, one must pay a visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial. Located at Bernauer Strasse, this memorial site presents a general look on the border strip, and the section of the Friedberger Walle left intact. An open-air museum, where a part of the wall and a watchtower have remained, and a modern centre with the stories of people divided by the wall.
- Checkpoint Charlie
Another Berling Wall site known globally is ‘Checkpoint Charlie.’ Due to original division of East & West Berlin during the Cold War and its role as one of the crossing places the Wall captured a lot of interest. Nowadays, this place is symbolized with a reproduction of a guardhouse and a sign ‘You are leaving the American sector.’ Visiting Checkpoint Charlie helps to understand how strained the situation was behind this important crossing point.
- Bernauer Strasse
Bernauer Strasse has a moving history because it was a street that was cut in two by the Berlin Wall. Today it presents the tourists with a chance to visit a segment of the wall together with a piece of ‘dmz’. Other information centers found here offer additional information on the history of the wall as well as that of people who were affected by the construction of the wall.
- Other Locations
Additional chopped parts of the wall can be found, although not in continuous sequence, at different places in Berlin. For example, wall section is exhibited in the Topography of Terror that is located on the former site of both Gestapo and SS headquarters. Another place that visitors can look for documents and relics that have some relation to the wall is the Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie.
Conclusion
The Wall of Berlin may no longer physically divide the city, but its remnants serve as poignant reminders of the hardships endured during the Cold War. From the artistic expressions at the East Side Gallery to the historical insights at the Berlin Wall Memorial, there are plenty of opportunities to learn and reflect on this significant part of world history. Whether you’re simply curious or a passionate history enthusiast, take the time to explore the various locations and gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Berlin Wall.
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