Pictures:
This historical landmark called Brandenburg Gate has remained standing tall since its construction in 1791 when it was first commissioned by Friedrich Wilhelm II to represent peace. This structure is a milestone of Berlin and I think the reason it attracts such a crowd every year is because it represents a significant part of German history. Located in the heart of the city, Brandenburg Gate was once the symbol of the divided city. After World War II the structure was integrated into the Berlin Wall, which followed a north-south axis dividing the city into East and West.
Over the years work has been done to refurbish the gate, but it has never been torn down, and still stands tall above the city, to this day, to represent harmony and peace. The gate has 12 Doric columns, which stand to support the metre deep transverse beam at the top. The goddess of victory stands atop the gate, facing eastwards towards the city centre.
The gate, which was and still is a trademark of Berlin, was modeled after Propylaeum, (known now as Greek architecture). Living in North America you do not get to see a lot of archaeological buildings that were built in the earlier part of the century, so it is always nice to see something new that represents such historical significance.
In the city's heyday before World War II, the gate stood as the entrance into the city's "main street", Unter den Linden.
Last updated: June 2006
