If you are planning a trip to Berlin, Germany and want to find an off the beaten path type of destination that’s a bit of history, culture, and certainly charm, this is the article for you as I share with you a historic town that deserves a visit within the historic district of Berlin. Look no further than Bebelplatz! Situated in the center of Berlin, this hidden gem is a square, with history, and impeccable architecture around. The reason I wanted to tell you about Bebelplatz is that it is a must visit destination!
A Brief Introduction to Bebelplatz
The public square is named after August Bebel, a prominent German socialist leader, and is the Mitte district of Berlin. It is this square that is so famous for its red story and it houses many interesting buildings and landmarks. It is a site of interweaving between the past and the present.
The Site of the Infamous Book Burning
The infamous book burning in this same Bebelplatz in 1933 gave the place international notoriety during the Nazi regime. On that May 10th of 1933, thousands of books from Bebelplatz library were literally burned in a gesture of crack down on intellectual freedom and art expression.
Today, visitors can witness a one-of-a-kind memorial designed by the artist Micha Ullman, made up of a room reinforced underground, with empty bookshelves that can be seen just through a glass plate. The memory is still alive of the barbarities inflicted by the Nazis and the need to remember knowledge and the freedom of speech.
Architectural Marvels Surrounding Bebelplatz
Facing Bebelplatz are the magnificent buildings that will be of interest to architecture enthusiasts. The State Opera House is also known as Staatsoper Unter den Linden, and is one of the most noted structures.
The State Opera House was first constructed in the 18th century and since then, the building has been restored several times. It is regarded as one of the most famous opera houses in the world and is host to world class performances. Even if you don’t happen to be at a show, the just outright beautiful exterior is a worth a visit.
Another nearby architectural gem is the Alte Bibliothek (Old Library) containing the Faculty of Law of Humboldt University. Located here is the neo-baroque building decorated with decorative sculptures and a pleasing ambience for Bebelplatz.
The Bebelplatz Experience
If you are taking a visit to Bebelplatz, take the opportunity to get away with the life and environment in Bebelplatz. Some tips to make your experience more enjoyable follow.
1. Visit at Night:
There is such an awesome construction at Bebelplatz that it is breathtakingly beautiful during the day; especially when lit up in the evening. After sunset, stroll through the square and you will feel the architecture and the memorial in an alluringly warm glow.
2. Attend a Cultural Event:
Look out for cultural events which take place in Bebelplatz. The square is the venue more often open to the cultural scene happening in Berlin with from open air concerts to incidents of art exhibitions.
3. Explore Nearby Attractions:
There are other big attractions nearby with respect to Bebelplatz. Head to Museum Island where there are world famous museums like Pergamon Museum and home of the famous bust of Nefertiti is at Neues Museum.
Also, there is a recommendation to go to the close Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag dom. The first are Germany’s complex history that these landmarks represent and the second is the breathtaking vista they provide of the city.
Conclusion
Located in Berlin, Bebelplatz is more than a square, it is an example of Berlin’s historical, cultural, and architectural strength in one. From the square which itself is a vale of romantic ruins to the awe inspiring buildings in the square, to the infamous book burning, to the memorial, there is something for everyone to enjoy and to learn from.
At the time that you are in the Berlin, visit Bebelplatz. Enjoy the uniqueness of the past and current come together. This is a no doubt a destination that stays quite for all who visit.
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