Berlin from above: the old-new capital of Germany. Berlin - divided city Old Berlin
I can't wait to show off to you. We recently went to a flea market in one of the districts of Berlin, where, among the expensive and unnecessary junk, I was lucky enough to stumble upon the shop of an elderly German who was selling old postcards and photographs. I would be ready to buy everything from him, but I’m afraid my wife would not forgive me for such a squandering of the family budget. Therefore, I limited myself to buying five postcards with views of old Berlin. I chose photographs of Berlin, which now no longer exists - due to the destruction of World War II. Today I will show and comment a little on these postcards.
1. Panorama of Berlin at the beginning of the 20th century. On the right side of the photo, the Berlin Cathedral and part of the Museum Island are easily recognizable. However, many of the buildings from the photograph (especially those in the foreground) no longer exist today.
The postcard was sent, according to the stamp, in November 1915. Text on back side The cards are written in Gothic cursive - an old handwritten font, which, unfortunately, is very difficult to read today. From what I could understand, the postcard was sent from Berlin to a certain girl, Ella, who lived in Landsberg an der Warth. Today this city is part of Poland and is called Gorzow Wielkopolski.
2. Reichstag building, ca. 1904 The construction of one of the main symbols of Berlin lasted 10 years and was completed by 1894. As can be seen on the postcard, the Reichstag building was decorated with a luxurious dome with a stone crown. In addition, the photograph shows that the entrance group at that time was not yet decorated with the inscription Dem deutschen Volke(“To the German People”), which appeared only in 1916.
After the destruction of World War II and large-scale reconstructions at the end of the 20th century, the shape of the dome was completely rethought. Now the dome is a transparent glass hemisphere. Today the Reichstag building looks like this:
Photo: Wikipedia
The back of the postcard contains only the addressee's details. It is interesting that, judging by the postal stamps, the postcard was sent from Berlin on June 19, and the very next day, June 20, it was delivered to Freiburg. The distance between the two cities, for a moment, is 800 kilometers! This is how the German post office worked more than a hundred years ago.
3. Potsdamer Platz. Unfortunately, I was unable to find out what year this postcard was sent. Judging by the fact that on the right side of the photo we see the “beer palace” of Sichen, the image must have appeared after 1911. So, most likely, the postcard shows Potsdamer Platz from the 1910s or 1920s.
This square represents the changes in the architectural appearance of Berlin. The square was badly damaged during the Second World War, and during the division of Berlin it was completely empty, since the famous wall ran here. In the nineties, the square became the largest construction site in Europe - modern skyscrapers were erected here, shopping centers, cinemas, shops and restaurants. Modern Potsdamer Platz has virtually nothing in common with what was in its place a hundred years ago.
Photo: Wikipedia
The inscription on the reverse side is made on Czech language. A certain Laurin informs his friend Jan, who lives in Vienna, that everything is fine with him and that he is vacationing in Berlin. The postage stamp had been peeled off - perhaps by some collector.
4. Victory Column, ca. 1938 Another very interesting image of pre-war Berlin. The Victory Column still stands in Berlin, although changes have also affected it. The postcard is dated June 1938; then the Column still stood in its old place - in front of the Reichstag building.
In 1938-1939 The monument is being supplemented with another section. Initially there were three of them - in honor of the victory of Prussia/Germany in the wars against Denmark, Austria and France in 1864-1871. Hitler ordered the addition of another section, and there were four of them. The updated tower was moved to a new location - in the center of the Tiergarten park, where it still stands.
Photo: Wikipedia
Surprisingly, this card is signed not with a pencil, but with a pen. It was also sent to Vienna, and the postage stamp features Reich President von Hindenburg.
5. City Palace and Palace Bridge. The building depicted on the postcard for a long time served as the main Berlin residence of the Prussian kings and, later, the German emperors. It stood directly opposite the Berlin Cathedral.
The building was heavily damaged during the Second World War. The new East Berlin authorities abandoned plans to reconstruct the palace and demolished its ruins in 1950. In the 1970s, the socialist Palace of the Republic was built on the empty site, which stood until recently.
The Palace of the Republic was finally demolished by 2008 - during the construction of the monumental structure in the GDR, a huge amount of asbestos, harmful to health, was used. Now, on the site where the City Palace and the Palace of the Republic once stood, a large construction project is underway - soon the so-called Humboldt Forum will open here, which will repeat the architecture of the original City Palace.
Photo: Wikipedia
But let's return to our postcard. She was sent in August 1941, that is, at the height of World War II. A young man says hi to his mother and talks about how he slept last night. The Hindenburg is on the postage stamp again.
I hope that next time at the flea market I will meet that old man again and buy more interesting postcards with old views of Berlin.
In the north-eastern part of Germany, near Baltic Sea, the main one spread out german city- Berlin. For Russia, this is a special memorable city. In the spring of 1945, a red Banner was hoisted onto the roof of the Berlin Reichstag, symbolizing the victory over fascism.
Berlin is wonderful amazing city, a huge number of museums are concentrated on its territory, historical monuments, palaces, churches and cathedrals. Collected in one city incredible amount architectural styles - flashy Rococo, elegant Baroque, romantic Renaissance. As well as ancient Gothic, modern Empire and strict English classics. Berlin is a city of theaters, operas, and art galleries. It is a major cultural, educational, historical, transport and economic center of Germany.
City `s history
The history of Berlin dates back to the 7th century. Slavic tribes lived here on the endless European plains. In the mid-13th century, the small village of Kölln appeared on the banks of the Spree River. On the opposite bank, a few years later, the settlement of Berlin arose. From historical documents it is known that in 1307 a merger of two settlements took place, on the site of which a large industrial city grew.
Due to prolonged thirty years war, Berlin's economy and industry were severely damaged. The city had to be rebuilt again. In 1688, a building was built on its territory defensive fortress, and the city joined the Principality of Prussia. In 1701, Prussia received the title of kingdom, and Berlin was named its main city.
At the end of the 19th century, Prussia became the German Empire, with Berlin again becoming its capital. The city grew rapidly, trade, industry, education and industry developed widely. In 1945, during a difficult bloody war, Russian troops entered Berlin and Nazi Germany was defeated. After the Potsdam Conference, Berlin was divided into four occupation regions. And 4 years later, two independent republics were formed on German territory - the GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany. Berlin became the capital of the GDR. Erected in 1961, the Berlin Wall divided Germany into two parts. Only in 1991 was an agreement signed to unite the country into one whole.
Sights of Berlin
Unter den Linden
Unter den Linden, the central street of Berlin, is of great interest to visitors to the city. It stretches from the famous Brandenburg Gate to the Marx-Engels Bridge. Along the entire perimeter of the street there are luxurious restaurants, charming cafes, high-end shops and rich shopping centers. In the middle of the street stands the ancient building of the New Watch, made in a restrained German classic. Currently, it has turned into a memorial dedicated to all those who died at the hands of fascism. Bebel Square is located nearby. Here is a magnificent Old Palace, former residence of the German King William. This is a beautiful, elegant building, created in light bed colors, in a strict classical style. Nearby is the imperial library, made in the late Baroque style. Because of the original shape of its facade, the townspeople nicknamed this building “chest of drawers.”
One of the most famous Berlin attractions is. After the two German republics found themselves on opposite sides Berlin Wall, this one is unique architectural monument became the main symbol of the division of the country. Today, the Brandenburg Gate appears before the eyes of tourists in its pristine beauty; it is decorated with a German cross, an eagle and a renewed quadriga.
Reichstag
Next to the Brandenburg Gate stands the Reichstag building, created in the late Renaissance style. Over its long history, the building was set on fire several times - first by the Nazis in 1933, then during the Great Patriotic War. Patriotic War, When Soviet troops entered Berlin. The Reichstag is a symbolic building for Russia. It was on its roof that the scarlet Victory Banner was raised in May 1945.
Old city
Having overcome Unter den Linden, tourists find themselves in medieval Berlin. Walking through the quiet old streets of the quarter, you can see the Rothes Rathaus building, translated as the Red Town Hall. This is a small beautiful building built of red brick. The Gothic Church of St. Nicholas is located nearby. This is a beautiful, majestic building that is a real gem of old Berlin. Bright red colors, original architecture, luxurious interior decoration will not leave any visitor indifferent.
District Tiergarten
An atmosphere of fun and celebration reigns in the Tiergarten area. Here is the largest Zoological Garden in Berlin. The city Aquarium is located on its territory. And nearby there is a church named after Kaiser Wilhelm. Every year, the Tiergarten area hosts a lot of festivals and celebrations, entertainment shows and music concerts. Walking along the shady alleys of the garden, tourists have the opportunity to admire the wonderful rose garden, ride a boat on an artificial lake, sit in one of the cozy gazebos, and even go ice skating in winter. The main decoration of Tiergarten is the Bellevue castle complex, dating back to the 18th century.
Berlin museums
One of the most popular Berlin museums is the Pergamon Museum. Within its walls are collected unique exhibits that embody Ancient Greece and Rome, Far and Middle East. The collection consists of the Ishtar Gate, made in dark blue, porcelain brought from China, the Pergamon altar and Japanese ceramics.
The Bode Museum houses paintings and canvases by famous world painters. In addition, a collection of rare coins and seals is on display for tourists. The Egyptian Museum and the Tiergarten Museum are of great interest.
Entertainment and relaxation
Art lovers will truly enjoy visiting Berlin. A huge number of theaters and operas are concentrated on its territory. For lovers nightlife In the evenings, numerous bars and nightclubs open their doors.
For family vacation Berlin's parks are perfect. There are countless of them here. Among the most famous are Britz Park, Berlin Botanical Garden, Volkspark, Zoological Garden and many others.
May 20th, 2016 , 02:18 pm
I am incredibly pleased to continue the series of selections about Berlin with another story. After all, this city is so diverse that no matter how much you talk about it, no matter how much you collect different topics, you still won’t be able to talk about everything.
Quite recently we walked around Berlin, then we were interested, and now let’s turn to history. To the past, to the traditional, to what has already been written down in history books.
In Berlin, the combination of old and new is almost immediately striking; how harmoniously it could coexist, creating a completely unique image of the city. So, let’s ask ourselves the question “what happened before?” and let's try to highlight not the most obvious points on the route.
We start from Behrenstraße 37. I already talked a little about the Hotel de Rome located here, but showed almost nothing. And there is something to see, because the building itself is living history.
Built at the end of the 19th century, it faithfully served the Dresden Bank and was its headquarters until 1945.
Over time, three more floors were added to the three, and one of the best terraces overlooking the city appeared on the roof. But much has been preserved from the original project of Ludwig Heim: beautiful mosaics on the floor, a bank vault, with massive doors and safes... now there is a spa there, and the “gold” bars that can be found here and there are also reminiscent of the past, while you go to the pool.
Well, and the most important thing. Some of the interiors, for example the bar, are decorated in a modern style.
Previously, there were offices for bank executives, but now they have become historical suites, where history is there, in the high ceilings made of precious wood, in the preserved design of the doors and a million little details.
There are views here (the situation obliges) - to one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, Gendarmenmarkt, to Bebelplatz, infamous for book burning, and with it to the city’s signature square - Unter den Linden.
In addition, each room has its own name. Here are a couple of options: in honor of the founder of the bank, in honor of Alexander Humboldt (here it is appropriate to add an introduction to the university itself - it is located across the street from the hotel).
I will also say that in addition to the terrace upstairs, on the ground floor there is a restaurant called La Banca, where you can have a great breakfast and from there start conquering Berlin :)
And the first thing to do is walk or take a bus to the Reichstag.
I hope that there is no need to introduce the Reichstag separately. But in case you forget, an audio guide has been invented: it will tell you in detail about the construction, the Weimar Republic, the arson, and about the modern work of the Bundestag.
At the base of the new glass dome you can find interesting photos, some of which are familiar to everyone - for example, the Victory Banner over the Reichstag. And some may not be familiar at all; they depict Berlin at the beginning of the last century.
In addition to information about the building itself, the audio guide tells about what can be seen from the windows, and this is really quite a lot: there are embassies, the government quarter, the Tiergarten, and much more.
Having moved to the western part of the city, let's turn off the Kurfürstendamm boulevard onto Fasanenstrasse.
It houses a winter garden and the Literary House (Fasanenstraße 23). The building itself takes us back to the 19th century. Even then, symposia, literary evenings, conversations and exhibitions were held here.
In fact, nothing much has changed either in the setting or in the atmosphere. This is peace and quiet a step away from a busy boulevard, greenery and lilac bushes, exhibitions and meetings with writers.
A light flair of bohemia, which you can’t do without here. And of course it's a place to grab a bite to eat. Sandwich and glass of white wine (here a good choice by the glass) - a good combination for a warm evening in Berlin.
By the way, the restaurant boasts a solid cheese section, for which wine recommendations have already been compiled (France and Germany are held in high esteem).
Or another option: come here for breakfast. Opening hours and other details follow the link.
The museum itself is incredibly interactive - here you can literally touch, feel, climb into a wardrobe, sit behind the wheel of a Trabant, play football, put on headphones and listen to the radio..
Evaluate the latest hits as of 1972, read letters from the USSR and the like.
It was doubly interesting for me because it turned out to be an immersion into the world of my parents’ childhood and youth. What they listened to and watched when they were my age and younger, how they dressed. Here are the books on the shelf - some of them are still at home.
Naturally, a significant part of the exhibition is devoted to the wall and its fall.
Style, ease and lightness reign in Berlin. Too many grandiose and at the same time tragic events occurred in the German capital - the declaration of the Third Reich, Nazi pogroms, almost complete destruction by bombing, half a century of division into Western and Eastern parts. Now the city seems to be resting and happily writing its history anew.
Berlin's districts are completely different from each other. In the historical central part rise the gloomy hulks of the Reichstag and the palaces of Museum Island. They work in the fashionable eastern quarters interesting restaurants, stylish clubs and art spaces. The best shops in the city are located on Kurfürstendamm Boulevard.
Berlin, of course, is not as elegant and ceremonial as other European capitals, but it has its own soul, which gradually reveals itself to the traveler.
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What to see and where to go in Berlin?
The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
An important architectural monument of Berlin with special symbolic meaning. In 1871, a ceremonial procession of Prussian regiments passed through the gates, marking the declaration of the German Empire. In 1933, the famous Nazi torchlight procession took place here and the “Thousand Year Reich” was proclaimed. After World War II, the Brandenburg Gate became the dividing line between West and East Germany.
The Reichstag was the seat of the German Legislative Assembly during the German Empire, Weimar Republic and the Third Reich. The modern German parliament also holds meetings in the Reichstag. The building itself was built in a very pompous and somewhat overwhelming manner, which, according to the architects, was supposed to emphasize the greatness of the Empire. Everything in the Reichstag seems huge and incomprehensible - the columns, gray facades, the grandiose glass dome.
The wall, which, following the Second World War, divided Berlin into zones of influence of two main opponents - the military blocs of the Warsaw Department and NATO. The wall stood for almost 30 years and became a symbol of the Cold War. It was a real border with checkpoints and security. After the fall of the Wall and the reunification of Germany in 1989, its rubble was gradually stolen for souvenirs. It was decided to preserve some fragments of the structure as a monument.
The largest Protestant church in Germany, located within the Museum Island. The cathedral was built in the era of Kaiser Wilhelm II and was conceived as a German analogue to St. Peter's Cathedral in the Vatican. The building simply dazzles with its solemn and majestic architecture. It feels like it was built by giants. Co observation deck The temple opening is excellent panoramic view to Berlin.
Palace of the late 17th century in the Baroque style, a gift from King Frederick I to his wife Sophia Charlotte of Hanover. After construction was completed, it immediately began to be used as a royal residence. In front of the palace there is a park in the classical traditions of French and English landscape art. At first the building was called Litzenburg, but after the death of the queen it was renamed in her honor.
A 17th-century fortress on the outskirts of Berlin, built during the reign of Joachim II. At the beginning of the 20th century, weapons and ammunition were manufactured on the territory of Spandau. In 1935, a secret Nazi laboratory was located here, where chemical weapons were developed. The last secret warehouse was found in the 70s. Tourists were allowed into the territory in 1992, after the final “unfreezing” of the site.
The building is located in the Tiergarten park. It is used as the residence of the German President. During the German Empire, Bellevue belonged to the ruling family and was used as summer palace one of the princes. After the fall of the monarchy, it became the property of the state; in 1935, the Museum of Applied Arts was located on the territory. You can only get inside the building certain time once a week.
Palace standing still ancient fortress(presumably built by the Slavs). In the 16th century, Köpenick was a more modest structure and was used as a hunting castle for Elector Joachim II. IN XVII century The palace was expanded and a park was laid out on the adjacent territory. Nowadays, the building houses the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts. Concerts are held on the square in front of the palace in the summer.
The Red Town Hall is the seat of the city government and the mayor of Berlin. This is a building in the neo-Renaissance style with elements of the neo-Gothic style late XIX centuries. As a result of the bombing of Berlin in 1945, the building was severely destroyed and a lengthy restoration was required. Interestingly, the main halls of the town hall can be rented for private events.
A six-story store from the early 20th century. Its permanent slogan is “Come, look, be surprised!” Despite its rather respectable age, the department store offers best service and a wide variety of products in almost all price categories. In terms of importance and prestige for Germans, it can be compared to London's Harrods. In Ka-De-Ve it is impossible to stumble upon a fake or buy a low-quality item.
The square where at the beginning of the 19th century Kaiser Wilhelm III received Emperor Alexander I. The place was named in honor of the Russian monarch. The square is located city hall, modern TV tower, Fountain of Friendship of Peoples. Until the 17th century, there was a cattle market and a place for executing criminals. Mostly butchers, cattlemen, traders, and shepherds lived in the houses surrounding the square. In the 18th century, the list of permanent residents was replenished with artisans and petty bourgeois.
The parade ground in the Tiergarten area on the site of the destroyed Potsdam Gate. Before the bombing of World War II, there was a comfortable quarter adjacent to the square - popular place for leisure and recreation of Berliners. Everything was destroyed and turned into ruins; nothing of the historical buildings survived. Today, modern high-rise buildings rise around the square, housing the offices of large corporations.
One of the most beautiful squares in Berlin. Basic architectural ensemble consist of three buildings: the German and French cathedrals and concert hall, located in the middle. All three buildings are designed in the colors of a strict classical style. In December, a Christmas tree is erected on the Gendarmenmarkt and the fair begins. Festive lighting is lit on the facades of the cathedrals and the Concert Hall.
The very first opera building was built in the middle of the 18th century. During the Second World War it was destroyed twice - during the bombings of 1941 and 1945. Restoration work was carried out until 1955. The renovated opera stage opened with a production of Die Meistersinger of Nuremberg, the immortal work of the German musical genius Richard Wagner.
Berlin branch of Madame Tussauds wax museum. Located on the Unten der Linden boulevard. Here you can look at copies of Otto von Bismarck, A. Einstein, Ludwig Beethoven, K. Marx. More modern exhibits include Angela Merkel, Johnny Depp, Rihanna, Madonna and many other famous characters. The figure of Hitler behind the glass wall attracts particular attention. The sinister Fuhrer is depicted at the moment of making the decision to commit suicide.
Berlin's large museum quarter, listed as a UNESCO heritage site. There are five museums here: Old National Gallery, Bode Museum, Old and New Museums, Pergamon Museum. Extensive exhibitions tell the story from primitive times to the present day, in numerous art galleries hundreds of paintings by masters are exhibited different countries, schools and periods.
Memorial complex dedicated to the victims of the Nazi regime. It is located on the territory where the headquarters of the SS and SD were located. The complex represents a whole group of expositions, memorials, exhibitions under open air, preserved administrative buildings of the Third Reich, basements and barracks. Topography of Terror began work in 1987. The total exhibition area is more than 800 m².
Monument in honor of Jews killed by the Nazis. The memorial complex has a rather interesting and unusual architectural design, which accurately conveys the atmosphere of horror that reigned in Germany after Hitler came to power. The memorial consists of several rows of unmarked gray tombstones of varying sizes. They seem to form a labyrinth and symbolize death and hopelessness.
Germany's main memorial dedicated to all victims of war and tyranny. It is a sculpture of a mother holding her murdered son in her arms. Neue Wahe appeared at the beginning of the 19th century and, according to the king’s idea, was supposed to serve as a monument to those killed in the Napoleonic Wars. In those years and until the end of the 20th century, it was a guardhouse with honorary guards. The sculpture was installed in 1993 on the initiative of Chancellor G. Kohl.
A late 19th-century temple built in honor of the first Kaiser of the united German Empire, Wilhelm I. The building was heavily damaged by bombing, and only part of the western tower remains. In the 60s erected near the tower modern building. It was assumed that the new building would form a harmonious ensemble with the remains of the church. Inside it is a 4.6-meter figure of Christ.
The oldest temple in Berlin. It is believed that it appeared in the 13th century. Services were held here until 1938. As a result of destruction during the war, only the outer walls remained of the church. After restoration in 1981, the building began to be used as a concert hall and as a venue for exhibitions. The building is a building in a typical “Protestant” style with laconic forms and sharp spiers of the towers.
An old functioning Lutheran church not far from the Berlin TV tower. The history of the church began in the 13th century, since then it has burned and been rebuilt several times. Like many historical buildings, St. Mary's Church was restored after the war in the 60s and 70s. XX century. Inside the temple there is an organ that J.S. himself played. Bach. On Sundays, during services you can enjoy the performance of the church choir.
Jewish temple of the mid-19th century. Surprisingly, the Wehrmacht authorities did not destroy it, but simply closed it in 1940, and converted the premises into a warehouse. The synagogue survived the bombing, although it was significantly damaged. After the war, they decided not to restore the temple, since almost all the Jews - potential parishioners were killed under Hitler. The building was demolished in 1958, leaving only the façade. After the reunification of Germany, the synagogue was restored.
An iconic and iconic place on Friedrichstrasse, a symbol of the confrontation between two irreconcilable enemies of the Cold War - the USSR and the USA. After the division of Germany, the border passed here and a military checkpoint was established. It was at Checkpoint Charlie that the tank confrontation took place during the Berlin crisis of 1958-1962, during which the world came close to nuclear war.
The television tower is more than 360 meters high. Builds the fourth tallest TV tower in Europe. Started working in 1969. In sunny weather, the outline of a cross is reflected on the ball crowning the structure (apparently from nearby standing church). Connected with this fact is the speculation that the architect was interrogated by the relevant authorities for allegedly deliberately designing the cross.
Zoological garden in the Tiergarten district with total area 25 hectares. There are 1,500 species of animals represented here (15 thousand individuals in total). The zoo was opened in the mid-19th century for the Prussian King William IV. Gradually, access was allowed to mere mortals. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Berlin Zoo was considered one of the most advanced and modernly equipped zoological gardens. During the war, a bomb hit the territory, and out of almost 4 thousand animals, only about a hundred survived.
A park on the banks of the Spree River, where there is a large memorial complex in honor of Soviet liberating soldiers. The central monument of the park is an 8-meter figure of a soldier with a sword and a little girl in his arms. The Alley of Sarcophagi leads to the statue, where five mass graves The remains of several thousand soldiers are buried. Parts of the Reichstag façade were used to make the alley slabs.
The garden was laid out in the 19th century and initially served as a recreation area. Over time, it became a research center. On this moment Several thousand plants grow here, among which there are many exotic specimens that are not typical for these latitudes. IN Botanical Garden several greenhouses displaying a rich variety of exotic flowers, cacti, ferns and other species.
One of the most famous streets in Berlin, the local “Broadway” and the center of the capital’s fashionable life. Famous city attractions are located along the boulevard. Unter den Linden starts at palace square and leads to the Brandenburg Gate. Back in the 18th century, the boulevard became business card Prussia. The local nobility loved to organize evening promenades along the picturesque linden alleys.
A green oasis in the city center where you can admire nature and enjoy tranquility. Tiergarten has dozens of paths, well-groomed alleys, cozy pavilions and benches. In the center of the park stands the grandiose Triumphal Column, which symbolizes the power of the German nation. IN summer time On the numerous lawns people sunbathe or simply relax in the generous shade of the trees.
In each European capital has its own Old city- as a rule, a small part of it that can be seen in its original form. Well, or almost pristine. This is where the curtain usually lifts on the mystery of the birth of a particular city.
Alas, there is no need to look for a complete old center in Berlin, but it exists in fragments and inclusions, interspersed with buildings from various other times.
You just have to move a couple of steps away from the classic walking tour around the historical center and you can discover real Berlin treasures, which create a true impression of this city. After all, the essence most often lies in the details.
It is logical to start the tour in the Berlin area local history museum— Brandenburg Mark Museum or in German Märkisches Museum. It was here, from the metro with the same name, that the brave radio operator Kat made a phone call to a familiar Standartenführer.
The square in front of the museum itself, its shape and design will become a prologue to getting acquainted with the history of the old city. There we will also visit a free exhibition of models, where it will be interesting to see Berlin of the past, present and future on different scales.
Having thus understood the structure of the city in theory, we will go to the preserved fragment of the old city wall.
Not far from it is one of the oldest Berlin restaurants - “At the Last Resort”, where Colonel Isaev loved to spend his free time. Napoleon and François Mitterrand once dined here (at different times). However, not only the Soviet intelligence officer and the French came here, but also other famous historical figures.
We will move on to the “last resort” - the building of the local district court, into which we will look inside to admire this Palace of Themis, as one of the main masterpieces of Berlin Art Nouveau or Art Nouveau. By the way, here you can have a cheap and tasty lunch if you wish.
We will see the ruins of the Franciscan monastery church and talk about the fate of the oldest Berlin gymnasium and its graduates. About the Parish Church - the oldest of the city's reformist churches, about its unique reconstruction, thanks to which the city acquired a new silhouette. We learn about the court intrigues of the times of Frederick the Great at the palaces of Ephraim and Schwerin. We will be able to go to the Knoblauch house - a former salon of the Berlin nobility and a cozy museum of the Biedermeier era.
Medieval legends and incidents from the times of the GDR will intertwine in the Nicholas Quarter and at the Church of St. Mary, on numerous bridges over the Spree River. Where two trading settlements, Berlin and Cologne, once connected, and now reconstruction is taking place historical center and old Berlin is created anew.
