Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free

What is the significance of Rotes Rathaus (City Hall) and Neptune Fountain in Berlin, Germany?

by | Mar 7, 2024 | Walking Tour

While coming to Berlin, you will find a city hall known as Rotes Rathaus, and a beautiful fountain known as Neptune Fountain. Historical buildings remain important symbols in the cultural, historical, and, of course, the architectural landscape of the city. Alas, let’s look at more details about these attractions and their interesting history.

The Rotes Rathaus (City Hall)

The Red City Hall is the administrative building for the local government, which is located in the centre of the capital city, in Mitte district. It means a red brick building that has now become a recognizable face of the city due to its uniqueness.

History and Architecture

Construction of Rotes Rathaus architecture started in 1861 and was completed in 1869. Some of the features were built to its neo-Gothic design by the master architect Hermann Friedrich Waesemann. The building was named after the red bricks used for its construction which was sourced from Rathenow town.

The Rotes Rathaus mainly carries out the offices of the Mayor and the governing body of Berlin. This impressive construction has a number of statues, a large number of high reliefs, and a large clock tower.

Interesting Facts

It was used heavily during the Second World War and was almost completely destroyed, however, in the period between 1951 and 1956 it was rebuilt according to original design.

Among street art, Berlin has the Berlin Bear that is the symbol of the city is placed just outside the Rotes Rathaus.

People go shopping, whereas tourists can either take conducted tours around the building to see the interior of the City Hall, which is attractive due to the preserved council chamber.

The Neptune Fountain

Neptune Fountain or locally known as Neptunbrunnen is an outstanding large bronze sculpture surrounded with multiple water coming from the Central Sea fountain. It even honors the Roman god of the sea, Neptune.

History and Design

The Neptune Fountain was designed by sculptor Reinhold Begas and the sculpture was placed into a public square in 1891. The design represents Neptune, riding in a seashell chariot with different sea mythical creatures.

Symbolism and Significance

The sculpture represents the sea and the maritime commerce of Berlin, the link of the city with water. This is characteristic of the prosperous and busy business activities of the city. The figures depicted as fashionable accessories of Neptune, for example; mermaids and mermen symbolically illustrate the attributes of the sea.

Did You Know?

The Neptune Fountain was dismantled in the 1930s as this artwork was attributed to the Greeks and was only reinstall in 1984.

The acanthus figures on the fountain were produced by different foundry in Germany.

The statue of Neptune in the 更新 park shows him holding a trident; the original of this trident went missing during World War II and has since been replaced with a facsimile.

A Must-Visit Combination

Two places in Berlin that are must to visit are Rotes Rathaus and Neptune Fountain because both places are situated in close closeness with one another. The building of Rotes Rathaus shows the services and functions of the city and the Neptune Fountain adds the touch of mythological charm to the main plaza.

Combined, they offer marvelous collisions of history and architecture, cultural identity and tourist values, and therefore, the combination must be a top-priority on the list of must-visit places for everyone curious about Berlin Past and present.

Conclusion

The Rotes Rathaus and the Neptune Fountain, both are the great monuments presented in Berlin, Germany. Visiting these places, one is able to take a closer look at certain architectural decisions, find out more about Berlin’s government and enjoy the sculptures by Reinhold Begas. Therefore, do not lose the chance to visit these interesting attractions when in this live and historically developed city!

Thank you for reading. If you're inspired by the stories of Berlin and want to delve deeper, why not join us on our Free Berlin Walking Tour? It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

  • 3.5 hours walking tour
  • Berlin’s major highlights
  • Brandenburg Gate
  • Reichstag and Berlin Wall
  • Historical sites

Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free