The Berlin Wall, constructed in 1961, was a symbol of division during the Cold War, dividing East and West Berlin. Although it was largely dismantled in 1989, remnants of the wall can still be seen in various locations across Berlin. Let’s explore where you can find traces of this historic landmark.
East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is along the Mühlenstraße in the Friedrichshain district of Berlin and it is probably the most famous place to visit to see the remaining of the wall. Subsequently, artists from around the globe turned the remaining 1.3 kilometre stretch into an art precinct. I discovered that the governmental created art on the wall symbolisms freedom, unity and hope.
The Berlin Wall Memorial
Another type of memorial is located in Bernauer Strasse and it is more informative and even alive. This place of remembering is composed of several parts: Documentation Centre, an open air museum and the border strip as it was. Here you may find out more details about the history of this wall and the role it played in people’s lives.
Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie which had been one of the hottest check points between East and West Berlin today is a major attraction point. It is interesting to note that though the present guardhouse does not represent the actual old guardhouse it was rebuilt later and a guardhouse replica was created there. Tourists may go to the neighbouring Checkpoint Charlie Museum where different exhibits and things connected with the wall and the efforts made to overcome the East Germany are presented.
Potsdamer Platz
For instance, Potsdamerplatz which is currently one of the most significant squares in Berlin was originally occupied by the Berlin wall. Today it is an energetic city center in which it is unlikely you will be able to see the architecture of the modern metropolis. To help with orientation there is a strip of bricks that indicate the former location of the wall – today it is in the middle of the square which helps to imagine how it divided the area.
Other Locations
Other than these large chunks mentioned above, parts of the Berlin wall can be seen all over Berlin. It is suggesting that some pieces will be in more conspicuous locations other pieces will be in rather more obscure positions. In the website of Berlin Wall Memorial Foundation, you can find out a whole list of areas in Berlin where pieces of the wall can still be seen.
Conclusion
Even if the most part has been torn down the evidence of the wall is still apparent in different parts of Berlin. Today you can find pieces of the wall all over Berlin, some of the notable places including the East Side Gallery, Berlin Wall Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie and the Potsdamer Platz. Visiting those places is a chance to read about the division of Berlin and challenges people there experienced.
When you visit these places you do not only get the feeling of time but also get to understand how it was to be one, to be free and to conquer limits. Therefore, do not hesitate to explore – albeit fragments of – the most famous symbol of cold war and broaden your historical horizons.
Table of Contents