Do you have interest in world history? In fact, you may have heard of the Berlin Wall. The Berlin Wall was a wall in Berlin, built from the Cold War until 1989. So where are remnants of this historical structure to be found today? Let’s explore!
The Berlin Wall: A Brief History
The Berlin Wall was built by the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) to keep the people in from West Germany. Not only did it also serve as a symbol of the Cold War split between the Eastern Bloc and the Western Bloc but it divided Berlin as well.
The wall got more complicated over the years and expanded from a simple barbed wire fence, to a more complicated system, including concrete walls and guard towers and a ‘death strip’ with armed guards patrolling it. On November 1989, history was marked with the fall of the Berlin Wall, and Germany reunited.
Remnants of the Berlin Wall
Most of the Berlin Wall was torn down after its fall, but there are places you can find it still standing. Here are some notable places:
East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is one of the most visible sections of the Berlin Wall. Around 1.3 kilometres long, its murals are painted by artists from around the globe. The powerful testimony situated in the open air gallery in Friedrichshain is right here.
Checkpoint Charlie
One of the most famous border crossings during the separation of Berlin was to be checkpoint Charlie. The original guardhouse was removed, but a replica was put up and has become a tourist attraction. Find out more about the political, social and military significance of the wall in people’s lives, and hear the real stories of those affected.
Mauerpark
A public park built on a section of the Berlin Wall, Mauerpark is known as “Wall Park.” There are flea markets, Sunday karaoke gatherings and more. Besides, there are remnants of the wall, segments covered in graffiti and the Berlin Wall Memorial.
Additional Resources
If you wish to go even further back in the history of the Berlin Wall, there are museums and memorials to this that are intended to preserve their memory. Some notable ones include:
- The Berlin Wall Memorial (Bernauer Strasse)
- DDR Museum
- Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie
Visiting these places adds a depth to the wall’s history and to the incredible impact it had on the people of Berlin.
Conclusion
The Berlin Wall, a strong symbol of division, has become a sign of unity and resilience. Although gone, much of the wall, some other places in Berlin allow you to take a moment to remember such a massive historical landmark. I’m still amazed when I visit the East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie ,etc, and I want everyone to learn from the past and learn to appreciate what it took to get there, in terms of peace and unity.
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