Brandenburg Gate, Berlin's only remaining city gate, is the true symbol of the city. Because it was situated in the no man's land just behind the »wall, it also became symbolic of the division of the city. After the Fall of the Wall, the Gate was reopened on December 22, 1989.
The sandstone construction, built from 1788-91 to plans by C.G. Langhans, has 12 Doric columns and is based on the propylaeum of the Acropolis in Athens. On both sides, six Doric columns support the 11 meter-deep transverse beam, dividing the gate into five passageways. In 1794 the building was crowned with the quadriga and goddess of victory created by Schadow, which face eastwards towards the city center. Brandenburg Gate was surrounded by further buildings which were destroyed in the war.
After the decision of Berlin's senate on October 22, 2002 Brandenburg Gate remains closed for cars, cabs and buses. Berliners and their guests can enjoy now the renewed beauty of the Pariser Platz.
Pariser Platz
As part of the reconstruction of Pariser Platz, new buildings have been added which are based on their historic forebears. Pariser Platz forms the link between the Brandenburg Gate and the magnificent
»Unter den Linden boulevard. It was originally a parade ground before a square was built at the end of Unter den Linden during the reign of Friedrich Wilhelm I. Noble villas, embassies and the luxurious Hotel Adlon arose around the square. The square was destroyed in the Second World War. Since the Fall of the Wall, new buildings by renowned international architects have been built. The Liebermann House and the Sommer House, newly constructed to the left and right of the Brandenburg Gate, were conceived as a pair, and their design is based on the previous buildings created by Stüler. The Dresdner Bank building follows the architectural conventions of Pariser Platz closely, without degenerating into historicism. Visitors will also find the new buildings of the French and the American Embassy at this historic site.
Brandenburg Gate in 360°- view at
