Berlin, Germany is full of history blended with stunning architecture, landmarks, and its art scene. And since its start, the nation has become an iconic city found in history books. The capital of Germany peeps reminders of its rough past, including the Holocaust and Berlin Wall along with its Cold War divide.
With a rich history comes many stories that are found through architecture all over Berlin. Looking to explore this city and all it has to offer? Try a free walking tour of Berlin to see the sites and learn about its dark yet inspiring history.
Berlin’s History
Berlin is very rich in history, and there’s a lot that has happened there over the years that makes it the interesting city it is today. The name was first heard in the 12th century, eventually becoming the capital of Prussia, and then, from 1871, becoming the official capital of Germany.
Flashing forward to World War II, the country was deemed as the capital of the Reich (or “Empire”), and the centre for the planning “Final Solution,” which was when the Nazi plan to kill the Jewish people of Europe under the wrath of the dictator, Adolf Hitler. In January 1942, officials from the Nazi Party, The Schutzstaffel (SS), and the German State met in the resort district in southwest Berlin to host something called the “Wannsee Conference.” Here, officials were told that the SS would carry out the “Final Solution,” and the Jewish people in Europe would be deported to occupied Poland and killed.
Eventually, on May 7, 1945, Germany surrendered to Allied forces ending what was called the “thousand-year Reich” after 12 gruesome years.
While Berlin survived the destruction of the war, it was put into a split within the country. The war put Berlin within the German Democratic Republic (East Germany), however, the capital also split, creating an “East Berlin,” becoming the capital of East Germany, and a “West Berlin,” becoming a “Land” of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany).
What to see and do in Berlin
Due to its intense past, Berlin has blossomed as a city to make it the place that both locals and visitors love today.
For starters, Berlin is dense with architecture, with buildings dating back as far as the 13th century. And while many buildings had to be restored or rebuilt due to bombings form World War II, they still maintain their historic designs. Mixed in, you will see grand marble, steel, and glass pieces.
If you’re looking to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the Holocaust, you must visit this special and emotional spot called the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, honoring all of those who lost their lives in this tragic event during WWII.
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