Berlin Facts
• Capital of the Federal Republic of Germany– Since October 3, 1990
• Population about 3.5 million• One of the top tourist destinations in Europe• A long, rich history• Focal point of the Cold War
Brandenburg Gate
• International symbol of Berlin and Germany (much like our statue of Liberty)
• The Berlin Wall used to run in front of it, making it a great backdrop for political speeches.
Berlin Wall• Symbol of the Cold War• Surrounded West Berlin • Built by East Germany – Aug. 13, 1961• Fell – Nov. 9, 1989
Berlin Memorial Wall
• Memorial to remember those who were killed trying to escape East Germany over, through or under the Berlin Wall.
East Side Gallery
• One of the few remaining sections of the Berlin Wall
• Used by artists, mostly from the former East Germany, as a canvas
Checkpoint Charlie
• Best known crossing point between East and West Germany
• Was the crossing point between the US and Soviet sectors of Berlin
• Site of several “stand offs” between US & USSR
• House at Checkpoint Charlie – excellent museum
Potsdamer Platz
• Former hub of Berlin
• Site of first traffic light in Europe
• Part of the “Death Strip” during Cold War
• Now a hub again, new buildings, shops, amusements
Fernsehturm(TV Tower)
• Largest free standing structure in Germany (4th in Europe)
• Built by the East Germans in East Berlin
• Trying to show off
Kurfürstendamm (Ku-damm)
• Main avenue through West Berlin (like 5th Ave. in NYC)• Many shopping and historic sights
Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche
• Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
• Cathedral destroyed during World War II
• Front tower all that remains
• Now a memorial.
Kauhaus des Westens(KA–DE-WE)
• Huge shopping center• You can buy pretty much anything there (like a Macy’s in
NYC)
Victory Column
• 70 meters (210’) tall• Celebrates
successive victories over Austria, France and Denmark
• Has the goddess of victory on top
• Running up the sides are cannons captured during victorious military campaigns
Olympic Stadium
• Host of the 1936 Summer Games
• Famous for nazis and Jesse Owens
• Hosted 2006 World Cup Final
• Home of Hertha – Berlin’s top professional soccer club