Which part of the Berlin Wall historical significance are you trying to understand? Are you wondering whether there is a way to visit this iconic landmark? Well, you’re in luck! Now in this blog post, we will see if Berlin Wall can still be visited and delve some history, meaning and key places you can go.
The Berlin Wall: A Brief History
Berliner Mauer was a physical and ideological barrier which broke down in 1989 in Berlin, Germany. Then, it was built by German Democratic Republic (East Germany) to prevent its East Berliners from escaping to West Berlin, under the control of the Western powers. Concrete barriers, barbed wire fences and guard towers stretched 96 miles (155 kilometres) across in the wall.
From 1961 until 1989, the Berlin Wall represented the two parts of Germany during the Cold War. The wall’s existence has become synonymous with countless stories of families torn apart, daring escapes and more.
Visiting the Berlin Wall Today
Despite the passage of more than 30 years since the Berlin Wall fell, it is still considered an important topic in history. Luckily enough, we are now able to visit those locations where a part of the wall is still standing today. These sites are invaluable for what they represent about the city past and must sees if you are mor interested in history.
The East Side Gallery
With over hundred of paintings, a defunct Berlin Wall has become an open-air gallery of sorts at the East Side Gallery, a famous stretch of the Berlin Wall. This 1.3 kilometer stretch is the former railroad tracks leading from the city center that are decorated with over 100 colourful murals, each of which provides its own take on the period of the Cold War. It gives us a symbol of the soul of artistic expression and political liberty.
The Berlin Wall Memorial
The Berlin Wall Memorial gives the visitors a comprehensive historical experience. This memorial is in the city center at Bernauer Strasse and preserves a section of the wall, watchtowers, and documentation centre. Interactive exhibitions, information on escape attempts and a feel for the way of life during the wall’s existence can be explored by visitors.
Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie is one of the most famous checkpoints of Cold War and an equally important site. The original guardhouse is no more, but now the replica stands as a symbol of the tense atmosphere and the fights that were fought to cross between East and West Berlin. The museum at the checkpoint is full of evidence about the wall and its effect on people’s lives
Top Tips for Your Visit
Tips to keep in mind when planning when to go to the Berlin Wall are:
- Take comfortable walking shoes, as the memorial sites may have a fair amount of walking to explore.
- You may consider to take a guided tour to know more about the historical significance of the Berlin Wall.
- Have a map or GPS enabled device to navigate from that part of the wall to another.
- Respect the East Side Gallery artwork and do not touch or vandalize the murals.
Every segment of the Berlin Wall is a pivotal part of history and by seeing its remnants, we are able to remember, acknowledge the hardships of the people through that wall, and understanding that had it not gone down, it would be something that we would never be able to comprehend the unity and the freedom that was after.
And if you ever manage to find yourself in Berlin, we would definitely recommend you to experience the history of this iconic barrier. The Berlin Wall is not just a wall, but a historical landmark in which Germany’s history forever changed.
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