subject: A Tragic History Adds To The Unique Experience Of A Trip To Berlin [print this page] It was also divided by the infamous Berlin Wall. However, this colorful history is one of the main reasons why Berlin is such a popular tourist destination. It gives this city character that is truly unique and can't be found anywhere else in Europe.
The Past That Shaped the City
Berlin was Hitler's most favored city. He had envisioned the city becoming the capital of his global empire. He left a legacy that can still be seen throughout the city in architecture and culture. The city suffered tragic loss at the hands Hitler and his Nazi soldiers with almost half of the population losing their lives in the Holocaust. Those Jewish citizens that remained fled the city to safety of neighboring areas. The Jewish culture in Berlin suffered for decades and only in recent years has seen a bit of a revival.
World War II took a huge toll on the city, leaving it nothing more than a damaged pile of rubble with a small population. As a result of the war, Berlin was divided for the first time by the Postsdam Agreement, placing the city under the rule of four different countries - the US, the USSR, Britain and France.
After World War II the Cold War soon began to shape the city. It was at this time that the East and West were separated by the building of the Berlin Wall. This wall separated the areas ruled by the German Democratic Republic and the Allies. The Wall did not come down until 1989 when the city was finally whole again. However, unification of East and West has been a slow process that is still underway.
Things to See and Do
When visiting Berlin most people immediately look to visiting the sites related to World War II and the Wall. Brandenburg Gate served as a border between East and West and is one of the major historic landmarks in the city. Near here lies the Holocaust Museum, the Jewish Museum and the Topographie des Terrors, an exhibit that tells of Nazi war crimes.
The Berlin Wall is located near Gendarmenmarkt. Also in this area is Haus am Checkpoint Charlie and the Palace of Tears. A walk along Ebertstrasse will let you see various points along where the Wall once stood, including a still standing piece decorated by artists.
Other sites to see in Berlin include Museum Island which is home to various museums showcasing art, history and culture. There are also palaces like Berliner Schloss.
Berlin is certainly a city of history. The history of the city is rather tragic, but it is also important to many as the events in Berlin affected the whole world. Make sure that you are prepared when visiting the city since it is a top German tourist spot. Set up your hotel accommodations online so that you are sure to get a room and have it ready for you as soon as you reach the city. With so many sites to see you don't want to waste time booking a hotel once you get to Berlin.
by: Gaizka Pujana
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