What is the main attraction of Berlin. An entire island of museums. Holocaust Memorial

Berlin differs from many European cities in its abundance of modern attractions. There are not many historical mansions on its territory, but there are plenty of modern buildings there. Berlin used to be industrial city, but neither war nor other problems could destroy its identity. What attractions deserve special attention in Berlin?

The Berlin Wall and the Thirty Years of Division

The Berlin Wall is made of concrete. In some places its height exceeds 3 meters, and the length of the fence is 160 kilometers. During the period of the collapse of Germany into two separate states, it was this wall that separated people with a hard border. Many could not cross it to see their loved ones, and those who tried fell into the hands of the authorities.

Residents of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic were separated by a wall in 1961. The wall was partially destroyed only in 1989.

You can see the remains of the wall near Bernauer Strasse. An eight-hundred-meter fragment of the Berlin Wall was reconstructed there.

Famous TV tower

The most amazing panorama of Berlin opens from the observation deck of the TV tower. This building has a high-speed elevator, so when visiting it, don't be intimidated by the 986 steps leading up.

The most popular landmark of Berlin, as well as the symbol of this city, has been built since 1969. The total height of the tower is 368 meters. Within its walls there are cafes and ticket offices for purchasing tickets to the observation deck.

When the sun shines on the dome of the tower, a cross appears on it. Nobody knows what causes this phenomenon.

The address of the main attraction looks like Panoramastrasse 1A.

The Cathedral on all postcards

Berlin Cathedral- This is what is depicted on many printed souvenirs in Berlin. The cathedral is essentially a Protestant church. Its location is also noteworthy; it is located on the “museum” island, and is very popular among tourists.

The style of the cathedral is Baroque. It took 11 years to build from 1894.

Operates under the dome of the temple Observation deck. Inside the cathedral there is a tomb of the Hohenzollern family.

Gate on Linden Alley

The grandiose Brandenburg Gate is located near the former royal residence. They were built by King Frederick William II. The date of their construction is 1791.

Antique inclusions in the main style of the gate are expressed in the bronze statue of the Greek Goddess Irene.

This gate has been chosen many times as a symbol of the disunity and reunification of the German people. They are located on Pariser Platz in Berlin.

An entire island of museums

For the construction of five museums on unusual island it took about 100 years. On the Spree River in the north of the island of Spreeinsel there are buildings that preserve six thousand years of visible human history.

This museum complex included in the UNESCO heritage list. There you can visit the following museums:

• Bode;
• Pergamon;
• National Gallery;
• Old Museum;
• And the New Museum.

The name “Museum Island” appeared in the 70s of the last century.

You can get to the island through the bridge by taking the M1 or M4 tram. The Alexanderplatz metro station is also nearby.

The most visited parliament in the world

There is a lot to be said about the Reichstag building. It was originally built by William the First for state needs. In 1933 there was a fire there, and parliament moved from there. The building was then restored and some architectural innovations were added.

The Parliament is located in the center of Berlin next to Republic Square. A ten minute walk from it is located railroad station Friedrichstrasse.

Gift from Frederick the First to Sophia Charlotte

Charlottenburg is a Baroque castle, which once became a gift from the lover Frederick the First to his wife Sophia Charlotte of Hanover.

The history of the castle is not as cloudless and beautiful as its magnificent halls and sunny rooms. After World War II, the main building of Charlottenburg was almost completely destroyed. The authorities wanted to get rid of the ruins, and signed a decree on the demolition of the structure. The situation was then saved by the director of the castle, who moved in with his family. After many years, money was finally found for the reconstruction of the castle complex and garden. Charlottenburg is now open to tourists.

The park at the palace has undergone changes several times. Today it is made in English style.

Getting to the castle is not too difficult, although it is located some distance from the center of Berlin. Buses number M45 and 109 go to the palace from Spandau and the Zoological Garden.

Waterpark "Tropical Island"

It so happens that the world's largest water park is located 70 kilometers from Berlin. Tropical Island is an opportunity to relax in beautiful place at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, which remains so all year round. The water in the pools with slides also has a pleasant temperature of 28 degrees.

A sauna complex, themed areas, a jacuzzi and volleyball are just a small part of the entertainment that the famous water park in Berlin offers visitors.

The building where the " tropical island", originally intended for the construction of airships.

Trains run regularly from Berlin Main Station to the water park. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes.

Opera in Berlin

The Berlin Opera is the oldest institution of its kind in Europe. It only had to be closed once due to World War II. The rest of the time, the Opera building invariably saw sold-outs and failures, famous musicians and singers performed, and Fyodor Chaliapin also made his mark there.

The opera was founded in 1742. Today its permanent director is Barenboim..

The austere and majestic building is located on Unter den Linden. The minimum cost of a ticket there is approximately 30 euros.

Zoo in the center of Berlin

The Berlin Zoo has the largest number of animal species on the planet. In the very center of the German capital, 35 hectares of land have been given over to this green corner.

In the zoo you can see more than 13 thousand species of living creatures.

The amazing zoo is located on Hardenbergplatz 8. The price of a ticket to it depends on whether you visit the aquarium at the zoo. A ticket for an adult costs about 22 euros, a child ticket is half the price.

Swap meet

In Berlin, the Flea Market is a special place. There is a unique atmosphere there, and you can buy absolutely any thing. Whether you need antiques or a simple kitchen knife, the Flea Market traders will have it all.

Sometimes unique items from the 20th century appear on market shelves. Previously, some candlestick could belong to noble lady, and today her relative sells it for a reasonable price to anyone who wants it.

The Berlin Flea Market is open on weekends. It is an additional source of income for all owners of interesting and old things.

For fashionistas, this market is a real haven. There are sections with real top hats and hats from the 1930s. The market is located in the Tiergarten park, near the metro station of the same name.

Botanical Garden

The garden, which has one of the largest collections of rare plants in the world, has been operating in the German capital since the 17th century. Meadows, greenhouses and sculptures of local flora are interspersed with apothecary gardens.

The garden occupies an impressive area of ​​430 thousand square meters. 22 thousand species from the plant world thrive there.

Cacti 4 meters high and insectivorous plants are just a small part of what you can see in Botanical Garden. By the way, the garden is located on Koenigin-Luise-Str. It can be reached by taking the Dahlem Dorf metro station.

Town Hall red

It is simply impossible to pass by the Red Town Hall in the Mitte district. The impressive building was built on the site of an old one in Italian style. Wezeman eventually became the architect of the repeatedly destroyed structure.

The Town Hall has some Gothic features and is also considered a successful mixture of several architectural styles. The coat of arms and column halls are available for tourists in the Red Town Hall.

The third floor of the town hall is decorated with portraits of honorary Berliners.

The building is located at Rathausstrasse 15. Sometimes official events are held in this town hall, so it is better to sign up for excursions in advance.

Memorial to all victims of the Holocaust

The oppressive atmosphere of the memorial's labyrinths does not fit well with the active life of the quarter next to the Brandenburg Gate. A memorial to the victims of the Holocaust was erected in Berlin as a sad memory of all those who died in this terrible death camp.

The memorial consists of 2271 blocks. The blocks are made of concrete mixture, on which it is impossible to draw anything. This way the slabs are protected from vandalism. The founder of this project is Peter Eiseman.

On one side of the Memorial there is information Center, where all possible information about the victims of the Holocaust is collected. There are more than 6 million names in its database.

The memorial was erected as an eternal reproach to the past of this state. Although even Jewish community in Germany at first they were against such a project, but then people realized its importance and significance.

Bode Museum

Art critic Wilhelm Bode managed to collect and sort many works of art into various storage areas during his life. The connoisseur worked to form the museum's collection by order of King Frederick III.

The construction of the new temple of art lasted until 1904. Under the arches of the neo-baroque building, more than 500 thousand ancient coins, a huge number of sculptures and paintings by famous painters are stored.

Today the museum is named after the first organizer, collector and organizer of the halls of this institution, Wilhelm von Bode.

The building is located in Am Kupfergruben. The halls of this museum are always full of visitors.

Street of palaces and squares

Unter den Linden is a boulevard on both sides of which there are beautiful palaces, ancient squares and rich mansions. This street has the status of the most popular in Berlin.

This street has the following famous landmarks:

• Brandenburg Gate;
• Berlin Opera;
• Cathedral;
• Humboldt University.
• And others interesting places.

A huge boulevard stretches from Palace Square to the Brandenburg Gate. The length of the street is 1390 meters. The name of the boulevard comes from the linden alleys located there.

Revue Theater Friedrichstadtpalast

Cancan is the hallmark of the revue theater in the center of Berlin. The first theater premises were built in 1919. The performance hall there resembled a grotto, and the windows were decorated with stained glass.

Today, all theater shows are staged very professionally. The performance hall is built in such a way that everything that happens on stage can be heard and seen from any point.

The Friedrichstadtpalast Theater was and remains a center nightlife Berlin. The glamorous productions there are imbued with the international spirit of freedom. The famous establishment can be found at Friedrichstrabe 107.

Amusement park in pirate style

Jacks Fun World is a favorite amusement park for children and adults in Berlin. Its pirate theme appealed to many young visitors. The park occupies 4000 square meters. On its square there is game rooms, slides, carousels, attractions and labyrinths.

The amusement park also has a special train that travels along its alleys accompanied by cheerful horns and lively music.

Jacks Fun World not only has sports and entertainment programs, there are also educational sections, which are a good exercise for children’s minds.

The park is located in the Reinickendorf district. A child ticket there can cost up to 15 euros.

Church of St. Nicholas

Recently, the Church of St. Nicholas in Berlin celebrated its anniversary. The basilica is 800 years old and is perfectly preserved for its age.

First information about this temple date back to 1200.

Today, the church, which is older than Berlin, houses a museum. You can get to the church by trams M4 and M6.

Schönhausen Palace

The palace, inconspicuous in appearance, plays an important role in the history of the German capital. For example, in 1740, the palace building became the personal residence of Queen Elizabeth Christina.

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My experience will be useful to those who are planning to visit Berlin, a city that is filled with attractions. I will advise before going to this a beautiful city find out in advance the names of the main attractions in Berlin, look at their photos and read detailed description to determine the places where you should go. This way, when you find yourself in Berlin, you won’t get confused and will have time to explore many more remarkable places in a shorter period of time.

Berlin is the most Big city Germany, its capital and popular tourist centre. Berlin attracts travelers of different ages, social status, and interests, as everyone can find attractions and entertainment to their liking in this city. I will tell you about the most interesting places in the city that helped me appreciate the diversity and historical value of Berlin.

Berlin architecture

What helped me get to know Berlin was acquaintance with its architecture, which fascinates with the variety of styles and forms of different eras and movements. Despite its centuries-old history and the difficult times it has experienced, the city demonstrates an abundance of preserved palaces, cathedrals, and squares.

Reichstag

Reichstag

The Berlin Reichstag parliament building, built in 1894 on Republic Square, is also worth a visit. The building looks presentable and pompous, complemented by a delightful glass dome. I took the opportunity to go up to the observation deck on the Reichstag dome. When I got to the very top, my emotions went through the roof.

Important! If you decide to go up to the observation deck, know that you will not be charged for this pleasure, but you will need to make an appointment in advance.

Charlottenburg

While in Berlin, try not to miss a visit to Charlottenburg. The palace was erected at the end of the 17th century by King Frederick I for his wife Sophia Charlotte of Hanover. Charlottenburg was reconstructed several times, each subsequent ruler brought something new in order to leave a memory of his own. This is how greenhouses and a new outbuilding appeared under Frederick II, a palace theater, a mausoleum, and an oval pavilion under Frederick Wilhelm III. Great impression I was impressed by the Porcelain Gallery, which has an extensive collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain.

Spandau

The western part of Berlin is famous for another attraction - the special Spandau district, where perfectly preserved Old city and the ancient citadel on the Spree. The settlement, on the site of which stood the town, and now the Spandau district of Berlin, was founded back in the 8th century by the Hevels (one of the Slavic tribes), but already in the 12th century the Hevels were forced to leave their homes under the pressure of German knights. And in the 16th century, they decided to build a fortified citadel in this place by order of Elector Joachim II Hector.
In 1914, the Spandau citadel became a reliable military industrial facility. Ammunition was manufactured and stored here, and even the Nazis used it for its intended purpose. Now this is historical and cultural complex, which consists of the Spandau History Museum, Theatre, Children's Art Centre, Medieval Tower, Medieval Palace, Cannon Exhibition, Italian Courtyard, Jewish Tombstones and Tavern.
If you are attracted to Germany and its attractions for which Berlin is famous, take the time to visit:

• Bellevue Palace - residence of the President of Germany;

• Red Town Hall – active city hall;

• Ka-De-We is an iconic shopping center.

Tourists who have already admired the sights of the city center will have something to see outside, I suggest heading to the outskirts of Berlin, for example: Brandenburg an der Havel is the most ancient city region.

Berlin Museums

The main attractions of Berlin are museums, of which there are more than 130 in the city.

Museum Island

Museum Island

The famous Museum Island is of great interest to travelers. , since here you can immediately visit as many as five museums: the Old National Gallery, the Bode Museum, the Pergamon Museum, the Old Museum, the New Museum. Having visited each of them, you will plunge headlong into the past; six thousand years of human history pass before your eyes; the huge exhibition halls contain objects of Byzantine art, a collection of paintings by famous artists, numismatic collections and sculptures. When you cross the threshold of each museum, time seems to freeze and begins to move only when you leave its walls!

Another museum that I am absolutely delighted with is the Technical Museum. From the very first second you understand that it will be interesting when you see a bomber right on the roof of the museum building! The exhibits exhibited there for various purposes - transport, units, mechanisms, computer equipment and even mills - will hold your attention for a long time. The museum is located on 25,000 sq. m. so that you are unlikely to be able to go around all the expositions, and you will be happy to come to this amazing place again.

Egyptian Museum

Egyptian Museum

The next museum is interesting both for its contents and for the building in which it is located. In 1828, on the advice Alexander von Humboldt The Egyptian Museum was created, the collection of which was based on the collection of Egyptian exhibits of Frederick William III. The building in which the museum is now located was built according to the architect's design Friedrich August Stüler a little later - in 1850. The most valuable exhibit of the museum is a bust of the most beautiful queen of Egypt, Nefertiti, donated James Simon in 1920.
Other museums:

• Museum wax figures Madame Tussauds (Berlin branch);

• Berlin Art Gallery – has a huge amount classical painting;

• Jewish Museum, which presents the life and culture of the Jewish people;

• The Berlin Museum of the History of Medicine consists of two separate parts - modern and pathological.

Berlin monuments

Business card city ​​and the main attraction of Berlin I can call the Brandenburg Gate, they are located in the central part of the city on Pariserplatz. The gate was erected in 1791 by the will of King Frederick William II. In 1809, during the French occupation, the Gate was taken by Napoleon to Paris, but after the defeat of the French in 1814, it was returned. Subsequently, they became mute witnesses to the passage of the Prussian regiments in 1871 and the founding German Empire, torchlight processions of Hitler's adherents. After the end of World War II, the Brandenburg Gate was assigned the role of dividing Germany into Western and Eastern Germany.

The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 and for many years divided Germany into the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic. For the residents of Berlin, especially its eastern part, the division of the city turned out to be a great tragedy. Initially, barbed wire was strung at the site where the Wall was built; over time, the Wall became stone, and in final version– reinforced concrete. The length of the Berlin Wall was 160 kilometers and its height was about three meters. Despite this, there were brave souls who tried to move to the western part of the city, about 150 of them were killed. In 1989, the Wall fell under the pressure of rebellious people, and in 1990 the Wall was finally demolished, leaving minor fragments. They decided to reconstruct part of the destroyed Wall and along Bernauer Strasse they restored a section of the wall with a length of 800 meters. For a long time, the ruins of this wall in Berlin -
An unusual but attractive attraction for tourists from different countries.
You may also be interested in:

• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin;

• Checkpoint “Charlie” is a checkpoint created in 1961, operating until the collapse of the Berlin Wall;

• Victory Column, a monument erected in 1873 and dedicated to Germany's victories in several wars at once.

Religious buildings in Berlin

Separately, I would like to highlight the variety of religious buildings that can be found along the way in almost any part of the city. I will highlight only a few from the entire list; for me they are the most relevant.

In the Praskov area there is an active Protestant Church of Gethsemane, opened in 1893. Externally, the church looks majestic, and the garden next to it adds charm, but the interior decoration is very ascetic.

Not far from the TV tower you can find a Lutheran church, also active, founded in the 13th century - this is the Church of St. Mary, during the period of its existence it was repeatedly restored and completed after further destruction caused by fires and bombings. Over time, the style of construction has also changed; now it is neo-Gothic. It’s better to choose a Sunday for the tour, then you can hear the singing of the local choir, and perhaps even the organ, which, by the way, was played by Bach himself!

The Berlin Cathedral, which was built in 1905 on the Museum Island in Berlin, makes a great impression on its visitors. The cathedral is Protestant and is considered one of the largest in Germany, its height is 98 meters. When you are next to him, you feel like Gulliver in the land of giants! There is a park planted in front of the church, clean and well-groomed. Externally, the church is decorated with stucco, columns and sculptures; the interior of the church differs from others in its luxury, abundance of paintings in the middle of the temple, bright colors pleasing to the eye. The observation deck of the cathedral is open to the public; here you can take beautiful photos of the city.
Very popular among tourists:

• The memorial to fallen Soviet soldiers in Tiergarten was erected in 1945;

• The French Cemetery in Berlin is a cemetery for the French community of the German capital;

• Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church - Protestant church;

• Nikolaikirche – ancient church Berlin.

What can a tourist see during a six-day stay in Berlin?

In order for you to be able to see as many of its wonders as possible during your stay in Berlin, you need to draw up an action plan for your stay in the city.

What can a tourist see in Berlin in 1 day of stay?

• Old National Gallery, Bode Museum;

• Old Museum;

• New Museum;

Try to distribute your time in each museum evenly, don’t forget to take into account time for a snack!

• Olimpic village;

• Great Tiergarten park.

What can a tourist see in Berlin during the 5th day of his stay?

• Zoo – take one day and you won’t regret it! This is a wonderful attraction of Berlin not only for children, but also for adults!

What can a tourist see in Berlin on day 6 of his stay?

Ka-De-Ve, shopping! Ladies and gentlemen, all the sights have been seen, and with a light heart we rush to spend the remaining money!

Where to go and what to see in Berlin with children

For parents who do not know what attractions in Berlin may be interesting for children, I have looked at several options for spending time for their children. Children appreciate the beauty of their surroundings through their own emotions; the sights of gloomy cathedrals are unlikely to leave joyful memories. Give your children some contact with the living world; the Berlin Zoo, which is located on 35 hectares of land, will delight your kids with an abundance of varieties of animals and birds, and a large aquarium will showcase colorful underwater inhabitants. Don’t forget to visit the Natural History Museum, where not only children, but also you yourself will be curious to look at the skeleton of a dinosaur 23 m high. Let me also remind you about the Museum of Technology with a huge number of exhibits. Discover a corner of the Wild West in the heart of Berlin called Eldorado. Water parks, cinemas, entertainment centers and huge balloon We are waiting for your little adventure seekers!

Video review of Berlin sights

We have specially selected a bright video for you, perhaps about the most famous capital, about Berlin and its attractions.

Berlin is ready for the meeting! You will definitely love him as soon as you get to know him better! If you have been to this city and know other interesting places or cool establishments that I have not mentioned, write about it in the comments!

Berlin- this is the European capital that makes an ambiguous, strange, one might say, fantastic impression on its guests. In terms of the quirkiness of its architectural objects and inhabitants, the city can only be compared with Tokyo. But for the Land of the Rising Sun, incredible eclecticism is rather commonplace.

But among conservative European capitals, Berlin looks like an enfant terrible. The mental vagaries and architectural diversity of the city are explained by the abundance of historical dramas that played out on its streets and squares.

The period of Prussian rule, the Hitler regime, the era of developed socialism, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and, finally, the rise of the policy of multiculturalism: all these processes left traces that affected the architecture and development, and, in addition, endowed the city with an unusual internal energy.

It is not without reason that its many inhabitants insist that Berlin is not a city, but a special way of life. To feel this, you need to lay it correctly a tourist route. So, let's begin.

Sights of Berlin

Brandenburg Gate

One of the most famous tourist symbols of Germany. The former main city gate of Berlin, which was rebuilt at the end of the 18th century and is shaped like an ancient Roman triumphal arch.

On both sides of the monument there are six Doric columns that support an eleven-meter transverse beam that divides the gate into five magnificent passages.

It is interesting that, contrary to the original name “Gateway of the World,” this architectural monument suffered in history the bizarre fate of being a ceiling, which, along with the Berlin Wall, divided East and West Germany. The gate itself was located on the territory of East Germany, so residents of the western part of Berlin did not have access to it, and the monument was fenced off from the population of the eastern part of the city by a specific wall structure.

After the unification of Germany, the gate again acquired the status of an architectural symbol of freedom, harmony and peace, which attracts numerous visitors to the city.

According to tourists, it is best to go to the Brandenburg Gate in the pre-dawn hours or at night, when the arch appears in all its monumental splendor, but is not so overloaded with the endless tourist flow.
The gate is located in the city center, at the end of the famous boulevard Unter den Linden(Unter den Linden).

How to get there:

– By metro or commuter trains S1, S2 and S25 to the station Brandenburger Tor.

Reichstag

Located near the Brandenburg Gate. Construction of the building took place in 1884 - 1894 according to the design of Paul Wallot. In the architecture you can find elements of classicism, renaissance and baroque. The grandeur of the Reichstag is emphasized by the impressive, outstanding columned entrance with a triangular shield and the gigantic glass and metal dome.

Today, the building is the current meeting place of the lower house of parliament, has four wings and a large picturesque courtyard. The Reichstag was heavily damaged by fire in 1933 and then during the Second World War.

After a series of reconstructions, the last of which was undertaken between 1995 and 1999, the parliament appeared in an updated form.

The building is open to the public and admission is free. A visit to the Reichstag dome is one of the most spectacular Berlin attractions for tourists, as the outdoor observation deck offers a breathtaking panorama of the city.

True, you can climb under the dome only after pre-registration on the website: http://www.bundestag.de/besuche/formular/249314.

The observation deck is open from 8:00 to 24:00, here you can rent an audio guide, as well as relax and have a snack in the restaurant under the dome.

Address: Platz der Republik 1, 10557 Berlin

How to get there:

– S-Bahn buses S1, S2, S25 (S+U Brandenburger Tor);
– metro U-Bahn U55 (S+U Brandenburger Tor).

Museum Island in Berlin (Museumsinsel)

Located in the northern part of the island of Spreeinsel. There are 5 famous museums here, the inspection of whose exhibitions will take an inquisitive tourist several days.

Old Museum building, built according to the design of Friedrich Schinkel in 1822, has a rich collection of monuments of ancient art.

New Museum, completed in 1959 by Friederik August Stüler, was completely destroyed during the war and rebuilt according to the design of architect David Copperfield only in 2009. The museum displays a rich ancient Egyptian exhibition.

Pergamon Museum, founded in 1930, consists of three buildings. Such famous architectural ensembles as the Babylonian Ishtarm Gate, the Pergamon Altar and the ornamental frieze from Mshatta are located here. The museum is currently partially closed for reconstruction until 2019.

IN Old National Gallery masterpieces of European painting and architecture of the 19th century century.
The Bode Museum features richest collection Byzantine sculpture, as well as Italian and German painting of the early Middle Ages. Numismatists here will be delighted by the Coin Cabinet, where coins from the 7th century BC to the present are collected.

Museum Island in Berlin has a tranquil and sublime atmosphere that will appeal to both art lovers and amateurs. romantic walks. Visiting museums can be alternated with visits to souvenir shops and numerous cafes and restaurants that abound on the island.

How to get there:

– By bus: S-Bahn S3, S5, S7, S75 from the Hackescher Markt stop;
– By buses S1, S2, S25 from the Oranienburger Str. stop;
– By trams: M1, M4, M5, M6 (S Hackescher Markt);
- Metro– Alexanderplatz station;
– Walking tour From the Brandenburg Gate towards the island it takes 15 minutes.

At the box office you can purchase tickets to either one of the museums or all of them at once. But you shouldn’t count on viewing all the exhibitions – it’s practically impossible.

Cost of visit:

– one museum– 8 to 10 euros;
– all museums on the island– 14 euros;
– discount tickets for children, students, pensioners– from 4 to 10 euros.

The entrance to the oldest European zoo is guarded by two stone elephants that support the columns of the main entrance. This unique “Elephant Gate” at Olof Palme Platz was erected in 1899. Many see the fatal role of providence in the fact that the first victim of the British bombing in 1945 was... the elephant of the Berlin zoo.

After all, this is not only the largest animal, but also a symbol of the invincible power that the Reich laid claim to. In general, out of 3,700 representatives of the Berlin Zoo, only 91 animals survived 1945.

The idea of ​​creating the first zoo in Europe in the 19th century was sparked by the famous scientist Alexander von Humboldt, African explorer Martin Heinrich Lichtenstein and architect Peter Joseph Lenne. Construction lasted only two years, and in 1844 the zoo was inaugurated.

Over time, it has constantly expanded and changed. Today, the Berlin Zoo is by no means cramped or offensive; about 16,000 representatives of the animal world live on 35 hectares. A visit to the zoo is one of the most popular entertainments not only for tourists, but also for Berliners themselves. On the territory there are children's playgrounds, cafes and restaurants, interactive stands, and special areas for feeding animals.

Address: Hardenbergplatz 8, 10787 Berlin

Working hours:

– January 1 – March 20: 9:00 – 17:00;
– March 21 – September 14: 9:00- 19:30;
– September 15 – October 25: 9:00 – 19:00;
– October 26 – December 30: 9:00 – 17:00

How to get there:
– U-bahn metro station Zoologischer Garden (lines U2, U12, U9);
– Tourist bus №100.

Cost of visit:

– Adult ticket: zoo – 13 euros; zoo + oceanarium – 20 euros;
- Student ID(for students and schoolchildren over 15 years old): zoo – 10 euros; zoo + oceanarium – 15 euros;
– Children from 5 to 15 years old: zoo – 6.5 euros; zoo + oceanarium – 10 euros;
– Children under 5 years old- the entrance is free.

You can feel the rhythm of business Berlin and observe its hectic and colorful life right here, just a kilometer south of the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag, not far from the southeastern corner of the Tiergarten park. The square got its name in honor of the city of the same name, and before the war it was the center of social life: it was here that the residences of representatives of the city's elite were located.

By the way, the world owes the appearance of the first traffic light to Potsdamer Platz, so you can imagine how lively life characterized this district of Berlin at the beginning of the 20th century. After World War II, it turned out to be easier to completely demolish the square than to restore it, and new life began after the reunification of Germany.

The project by Italian architect Renzo Piano included 19 new diverse buildings. Now the headquarters of famous companies, luxury hotels, popular restaurants and clubs are located here.

How to get there:

– by metro to Potsdamer Platz station;
– by buses M41, M48, M85.

Friedrichstadtpalast

This magnificent Berlin show palace is famous for the world's largest stage. The theater is often called Berlin's Broadway. Its history is closely connected with the name of Max Reinhardt, thanks to whom the building of the architectural predecessor of the modern Friedrichstadtpalast was founded in 1919.

In 1980, the theater was closed, as difficult as it may be to imagine today, “due to lack of audience interest.” And in 1984 it reopened in the Berlin district of Mitte. Every year, the show palace is visited by over 700,000 spectators; its main hall seats 1,895.

Fans of Melpomene watch the theater performances with bated breath, and leave the building in the most enthusiastic mood. This is due to the fact that modern performances at Friedrichstadtpalast use the latest technological developments, which make performances and shows extraordinarily spectacular.
The theater's ballet troupe is also renowned on the international stage.

Address: Friedrichstrasse 107, 10178 Berlin

Cost of performances: from 50 to 100 euros.

How to get there:

– By metro, line U6, exit at Oranienburger Tor station;
– By bus No. 147 to the Oranienburger Tor stop;
– By tram along lines M1 and M12 to the same stop.

Berlin Wall

From this terrifying monument of historical stupidity on a global scale, today only a 1,300-meter long fragment has been left for the edification of descendants. Previously, the wall was a real border fortification, stretching for 106 km, had a height of 3.6 meters and was equipped with barbed wire, on which many unlucky fugitives died.

In its 28 years of existence, only a few have managed to overcome this cruel and primitive barrier, although attempts have been made by tens of thousands of Berliners. The fall of the wall became a historical lesson about the futility of dividing an entire people.

Perhaps today's tolerance of Berliners to any way of life, behavior and nationality is connected with the “genetic memory” of this extraordinary city, which suffered the fate of a prison under open air. Memorial Complex The Berlin Wall can be found in East Side Gallery in the Friedrichmhain area.

How to get there:

– By metro to the station Warschauer Straße, then follow the signs or follow the numerous tourists who are moving in the direction of the memorial.

Map with sights of Berlin

What impression does Berlin make?

Berlin has gone through winding paths of development, experiencing dark and bright moments of history. Today the city is one of the world's fastest growing megacities, which amazes with its openness, tolerance, and diversity. People of different cultures, religions, and mentalities find shelter here and successfully coexist.

The main attractions of Berlin

1. Brandenburg Gate

One of the first attractions of Berlin that comes to mind when you think about the capital of Germany isBrandenburg Gate.During the course of German history, the Brandenburg Gate played various roles,they reflect the country's turbulent past and achievements like no other landmark in Germany. The gate served as the main entrance to Berlin, and is also a symbol of the division of the city into two parts, the Western and Eastern occupation zones for many years. The Brandenburg Gate was built in 1791 from sandstone.

2. Reichstag

With the proclamation of the German Empire in the Hall of Mirrors inVersaillesIn 1871, Berlin became the capital of the empire and there was a need for a more prestigious building for the German government.The foundation stone for the new Reichstag, a huge neo-Renaissance palace, was laid by the Emperor himself in 1884. Construction was completed ten years later.After its destruction by fire in 1933, it was rebuilt in 1970, but with the decision to return governments to Berlin from Bonn following German reunification, the Reichstag underwent a complete renovation in the late 1990s.

3. Holocaust Memorial

Next to the Brandenburg Gate is the Holocaust Memorial, a tribute to the Jewish people for the extermination of Jews by the Nazis during World War II.2,711 slabs are arranged in waves over 20,000 square meters. TOEach stone is unique.

At the base of the memorial there is an underground information center that provides information and personal stories of people affected by the Nazis. The memorial was designed by Daniel Libeskind and it leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

4. Berlin Wall (East Side Gallery)

A section of the original Berlin Wall is highlighted as an art object, it is now the largest open-air gallery in the world. The East Side Gallery is the longest, best preserved and most interesting section of the famous Berlin Wall, converted into an open-air gallery. The 1,300-meter-long gallery, running along the Spree River, reflects in a special artistic manner all the important political events that took place in Germany. On the wall hang works by artists from all over the world. This section of the wall is under state protection as an important historical monument.

The Berlin Wall once divided the city into East and West Berlin.After the fall of the wall in 1989, hundreds of artists from all over the world came to Berlin to transform the gloomy and gray wall into a work of art.They covered the eastern side of the wall, which had been untouched until then, with more than 100 images and it is now the largest open-air gallery in the world.

Official site: www.eastsidegallery.com

5. Museum Island

Museum Island (Museumsinsel) is a beautiful part of old Berlin.Here you will find the city's oldest and most important museums, including the Old Museum(Altes Museum), built in 1830, New Museum(Neues Museum) built in 1855, the National Gallery is openin 1876, the Bode Museum opened its doorsin 1904, as well as the stunning Pergamon Museum which houses a collection of classical antiquities, the Museum of the Ancient East, and the Museum of Islamic Art.

6. Memorial Church

The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is located in the center of Breitscheidplatz in Berlin. The original church was built between 1891 and 1895 by order of Kaiser Wilhelm II. During World War II, the church burned down after being directly hit by a bomb. Only the western tower of the church has survived. It was built in 1961 new church around the remains old church, consisting of 4 buildings. This one one of the most interesting sights in Berlin.

7. Victory Column

The Victory Column was erected in honor of Prussia's victory over France in 1871. The column is topped with a golden statue of the goddess Victoria, which local residents fondly called Goldelse "Golden Elsie". There is an open observation deck on the column, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the park and Berlin. To visit all the sights of Berlin be sure to book a city tour.

8. Tiergarten Park (Grosser Tiergarten)

Previously, the site of the park was the hunting grounds of the Prussian kings, but in the 18th century the hunting grounds were converted into big park downtown. Today, it is the green heart of Berlin, which borders the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate on east side, Potsdamer Platz and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe on the southeast side, the Berlin Zoo to the west, and the residence of the President of Germany in Berlin on the northern edge of the park.

9. Unter den Linden

This beautiful boulevard with linden trees planted along it is considered the main boulevard of Berlin. It is locatedV historical center Berlin, and extends from the island of museums to the Brandenburg Gate. Along the entire boulevard there are different historical Buildings and monuments likeHumboldt University, State Opera, Russian State Library, German History Museum.

10. Berlin Zoological Gardens

The Berlin Zoological Garden is the oldest institution of its kind in Germany and remains one of Berlin's most popular attractions, with more than three million visitors visiting each year.Founded in 1844 and completely rebuilt after World War II, this is a very modern zoo, aquarium and zoological garden designed to display animals in their natural environment.

Charlottenburg Palace)

Charlottenburg Castle is the largest and the oldest palace in Berlin, an 18th-century Baroque structure that was originally built as a summer home for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Elector Frederick III, who became the first Prussian king. Magnificent interiors Charlottenburg Castle decorated with masterpieces of art, including the largest collection of 18th-century French painting outside France.

Official website: www.spsg.de

12. Pool Badeshift

Unique open pool Badeshift is a purely Berlin invention. It is built from an old barge frame and floats down the Spree River on its own. All visitors, in addition to swimming, are invited to enjoy the beautiful view that opens from here to the central streets eastern shore. The pool is equipped sandy beach and a wooden platform that attract sun lovers on a fine day. At the same time, you won’t be bored: there is a bar nearby. Summer is the ideal time to visit the pool, which is open until late in the evening. In winter, it is covered with a special canopy, it is kept warm inside and there is a sauna.

13. Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)

Berlin Cathedral was built between 1895 and 1905 and is a magnificent basilica that belongs to the Protestant Church. This is the largest church in the city and one of the most beautiful. Inside the crypt there are more than 80 sarcophagi of the Prussian royal family. Tourists can climb the dome, which is decorated with intricate mosaics. A tour of Berlin includes a visit to the Berlin Cathedral.

Official website: www.berlinerdom.de

14. Pergamon Museum

A visit to the Pergamon Museum is always high on the list of places to visit when visiting Berlin. If you don't have time to explore several museums, then choose this one. The Pergamon Museum is a repository of classical Babylonian, Greek, Roman, Islamic and Middle Eastern art.

The huge Pergamon Museum consists of three main departments, Antiquity, the Museum of Islamic Art and the Museum of the Middle East. most of The museum consists of artifacts transported from excavations in foreign countries. The main attractions of the museum are the Pergamon Altar of the second century BC, the gates of the Miletus market from Roman antiquity and of course the pearl of the collection - the Frieze from Mshatta.

This museum is consistently rated by tourists as one of the top attractions in Berlin. Please note that in Berlin it is difficult to do without a guide and it is better to book a tour.

Official site: www.smb.spk-berlin.de

Street "Unter den Linden"

Topic in German with translation

Berlin ist, wie Hamburg und Bremen ein Stadtstaat. Die Stadt Berlin hat eine sehr alte Geschichte. Es entstand zu Anfang des 13. Jahrhunderts. Da Berlin an der Kreuzung vieler Handelswege lag, war seine Lage besonders günstig. Seit 1486 war Berlin der Regierungssitz der Brandenburger Kurfürsten und seit 1701 der Regierungssitz der preußischen Könige. Ende des 18. Jahrhunderts war Berlin die führende Industriestadt Preußens und eine der größten Städte Europas. Seit 1871 wurde Berlin zur Hauptstadt des deutschen Reiches und entwickelte sich schnell zu einer Millionenstadt.

Zurzeit ist Berlin die Hauptstadt des vereinten Deutschlands. Berlin wurde zum wichtigsten industriellen, wissenschaftlichen und kulturellen Zentrum Deutschlands sowie zu einem bedeutenden Verkehrsknoten- und Handelszentrum Mitteleuropas.

Die wichtigsten Industriezweige sind der Maschinenbau, die Elektrotechnik, die Textilindustrie. Nach wie vor finden optische, pharmazeutische Produkte und Druckerzeugnisse aus Berlin Anerkennung in der ganzen Welt.

Berlin ist auch ein großes wissenschaftliches Zentrum. Hier gibt es einige Universitäten. Das sind die Freie Universität, die Humboldt-Universität, die Technische Universität. In der Stadt gibt es auch viele Hochschulen, Forschungsinstitutionen.

Berlin ist eine Stadt mit reichen Theatertraditionen. Am Abend öffnen sich die Türen der zahlreichen Berliner Theater, die eine wichtige Rolle im Kulturleben der Stadt spielen.

Die Stadt hat sich als kultureller Mittelpunkt behauptet. Weltbekannt sind die Berliner Museen: ein Teil davon befindet sich auf der Museumsinsel.

Berlin ist an vielen architektonischen Denkmälern und Bauten reich. Eines der ältesten Denkmäler Berlins ist das Brandenburger Tor, das der Architekt Carl Langhans baute. Eine der schönsten Straßen Berlins heißt “Unter den Linden.” In der Straße liegen viele Botschaften, Geschäfte, das Gebäude der ältesten Universität Berlins, der Humboldt Universität, die heute über 14,000 Studenten zählt.

Einer der schönsten Parks von Berlin heißt der Tiergarten. In der Mitte des Tiergartens erhebt sich die 75 Meter hohe Siegessäule mit der 10 Meter hohen vergoldeten Göttin Viktoria. Man errichtete diese Siegessäule 1870/1871. Nicht weit vom Torgebäude steht das Gebäude des Reichstages. Man errichtete dieses Gebäude im pompösen Stil der Hochrenaissance.

Einer der beliebten Einkaufs- und Touristenverkehrszentren ist der Alexanderplatz, der mit seinen Brunnen und der Weltzeituhr zu einer Fußgängerzone wurde. Die Weltzeituhr gibt nicht nur die Berliner Zeit an, sondern auch die Zeit in vielen Großstädten der Welt.

Der 365 Meter hohe Fernsehturm gehört zu den weiteren Wahrzeichen Berlins. Die Touristen besuchen gern sein drehbares Cafe. Sehr schön sind auch die Grünanlagen, die zwischen dem Roten Rathaus, dem Femsehturm, der Marienkirche und der Spandauer Straße liegen. Auf dieser Freifläche befinden sich zahlreiche Wasserspiele und Skulpturen, darunter der Neptun-Brunnen.