The history of Brandenburg Gate – an enormous, sandstone, neoclassical arch – is inextricably linked with the history of Berlin and Germany. Built in 1791 to mark the entrance to Unter den Linden, Berlin's grandest boulevard, the arch was originally created as a symbol of peace. Standing 85-feet (30-meters) high, the Brandenburg Gate was modeled on the gateway to the Acropolis in Athens. When Napoleon defeated the Prussians in 1806, he marched triumphantly through the gate into Berlin, before taking the gate’s crowning statue, Victoria, the Goddess of Victory, back to France as a spoil of war. Victoria was later returned and once again sits atop the gate driving her chariot of horses.
The gate was used as a powerful propaganda tool by the Nazis, and after World War II was left in near ruins on the border between East and West Germany. U.S. President Ronald Reagan gave his famous speech here in 1987, where he demanded, “Gorbachev – tear down this wall!” In December 1989, the gate was reopened to traffic between the East and West and the monument was again recast as a symbol of unity.
Before walking through the gate, spend a little time in the Raum der Stille (Room of Silence), a simple room where people from all denominations and walks of life are invited to leave behind their differences and sit together. When you do pass beneath the gate’s five imposing passageways and heroic friezes representing Greek myology, you’ll be forgiven if you feel a little overwhelmed the weight of history is almost palpable here. Look for the informative signs which document the history of the gate and all it has come to symbolize throughout the last 200 years. The gate is always a dramatic sight, but is particularly spectacular when lit up at night and for New Year celebrations.
The Brandenburg Gate sits between the Reichstag building and the Holocaust Memorial, and directly across from the Tiergarten. It’s also close to Friedrichstrasse, one of Berlin's main shopping and dining streets, and is serviced by S-Bahn and U-Bahn train stations.
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Reviewed on May 24, 2024
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Reviews of Brandenburg Gate
5/5 - Excellent
See it at night too - is beautiful
4/5 - Good
Pickpockets presents every where. A must see easy parking on Bundestrasse dor free
3/5 - Okay
Currently Under Construction
3/5 - Okay
Don't visit when preparations are being made for 'Reunification day' celebrations!
3/5 - Okay
Berlin marathon was on so didn’t get the full effect of the gate as it was cordoned off
4/5 - Good
Although the history of the landmark is quite significant, the site itself isn't as imposing as I imagined it to be. This is probably the busiest of the tourist sites in Berlin.
Popular places to visit
Parisier Platz
Take in views of the Brandenburg Gate and the edge of sprawling Tiergarten park from this expansive and handsome public square.
Holocaust Memorial
This architectural gem is a bold but peaceful tribute to the millions of Jews who lost their lives during the Holocaust.
Reichstag Building
Torched by Hitler, bombed by Britain and stormed by the Russians, the seat of German power has risen again as a symbol of a united and progressive Germany.
Tiergarten Soviet War Memorial
Discover a lesser-told story from Berlin’s history at this unique memorial to fallen Soviet soldiers, set in the lush grounds of the Tiergarten.
Marie-Elisabeth-Lüders-Haus
Find out about the history of Berlin when you take a trip to Marie-Elisabeth-Lüders-Haus. Visit the shops and notable monuments in this vibrant area.
Paul-Löbe-Haus
Find out about the history of Berlin when you take a trip to Paul-Löbe-Haus. Visit the shops and notable monuments in this vibrant area.
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