Yet more than thirty years have passed since the Berlin Wall, which separated East and West Germany. Berlin today is a lively and unification capital with an interesting past. But again, many visitors tend to ask whether there still remains any wall at the place at all. In this article, we will answer the question whether the Berlin will still exists to date or not.
The Legacy of the Berlin Wall
Berlin Wall was constructed in the year 1961 by the East Germany when it was officially called the German Democratic Republic in order to stop people from emigrating towards west Germany. The wall lasted 28 years representing the Cold war split of Germany into East and West. This day which was in November, 9, 1989 saw the bringing of the curtain down on the east Germany and consequently in the Cold war.
East Side Gallery
If education is your major destination in travelling, then the East Side Gallery is the best place to visit if you are in Berlin to see the Berlin Wall. Situated by the River Spree it is a part of the original city Wall that has been put into use as an open air gallery. spanning from 1.3km and decorate over 100 murals painted by artists from different parts of the globe. All the murals depict hope, freedom and unity – a picture of what the city stands for.
What to Do and Places to Explore on the East Side of Berlin
Take water and soft copies of photographs in case you wish to download them since you will be doing some walking along the entire length of the gallery.
- It is not advisable to go there when it is morning or at the evening because a lot of people will be there.
- Make sure to spend some time to enjoy the artwork and to read the descriptions given.
- Please do note that East Side Gallery is an open-air display so do expect the changing weather circumstance.
Other Berlin Wall Memorials
However, do not think the East Side Gallery is the only place where you can either learn about the history of the Berlin Wall.
Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie was one of the division zones between east and west during the Cold war period. Today there is an evident copy with checkpoint in memory of what used to happen for many years. A museum is close to this area where one can see photographs, documents and personal items and hear first hand stories of GAPPING or requests to escape East Germany.
Memorial to the Berlin Wall
Another place to go is the site of the Memorial to the Berlin Wall. Located at Bernauer Strasse it has an open air gallery with remains of the actual border protection, pieces of the Berlin Wall and an efficient, cantilevered section of the protective wall together with an underground anti-exhibition.
Topography of Terror
While not exclusively focused on Berlin Wall the Topography of Terror is a museum which is bound to explain the entanglement of German history in the second half of the twentieth century as well as the division of Berlin. It is situated at the Nazi’s Gestapo and SS headquarters’ place in Berlin.
In Conclusion
Although the actual Berlin Wall no longer exists Berlins has done a lot to ensure to whom it is almost impossible for them to forget this part of its history. The remaining parts of the East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie, Memorial to the Berlin Wall, and the Topography of Terror are some of the spots where you need to visit to understand this bitterhistory on your own. So to answer the question of whether it is possible to visit Berlin and see the Wall to this very day?”: yes, it is possible, though now it can be seen only through the existing memorials and the stunning gallery of painted traffic signs on the East Side Gallery.
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