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Brandenburg Gate: A Symbol of Berlin

Visit the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, a symbol of German unity and a landmark with over two centuries of rich history and neoclassical beauty.

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The Brandenburg Gate, located in the heart of Berlin, is a neoclassical monument and an iconic symbol of German unity and peace. Built in the late 18th century, it has witnessed pivotal moments in German history, from Napoleon's triumphs to the division of Berlin during the Cold War. Today, it stands as a major tourist attraction and a testament to the city's resilience.

A brief summary to Brandenburg Gate

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and get the best lighting for photos.
  • Explore the surrounding Pariser Platz, Unter den Linden boulevard, and nearby attractions like the Reichstag and Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
  • Take advantage of the Berlin Tourist Info Centre located in the south wing of the gate for maps, information, and booking tours.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Berlin Central Station, walk east towards the Brandenburg Gate. The walk is approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) and should take about 20 minutes. Follow the signs or use a map app, passing the Reichstag building on your way. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Berlin Central Station, take the S-Bahn (S1, S2, S25, or S26) or the U-Bahn (U5) to the Brandenburger Tor station. The ride is short, typically 3-8 minutes. A single ticket (AB zone) costs €3.80. Alternatively, a short trip ticket, valid for three stops, costs €2.60.

  • Taxi

    From Berlin Central Station, a taxi ride to the Brandenburg Gate is approximately 2.4 km (1.5 miles) and takes about 5 minutes. The estimated fare is between €9 and €13. Ride-sharing services like Bolt may offer slightly cheaper rates, around €7.

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Discover more about Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate, or Brandenburger Tor in German, is more than just a historical landmark; it's a symbol of Berlin and Germany itself. Constructed between 1788 and 1791 by Prussian King Frederick William II, it served as a grand entrance to the city. The gate was designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans, who drew inspiration from the Propylaea of the Acropolis in Athens, making it Berlin's first Greek Revival building. The gate is made of sandstone and stands 26 meters (85 feet) high, 65.5 meters (215 feet) long, and 11 meters (36 feet) deep. It is supported by two rows of six Doric columns. In 1793, Johann Gottfried Schadow's Quadriga statue was added, depicting Victoria, the goddess of victory, driving a four-horse chariot. This statue has its own dramatic history; in 1806, Napoleon seized the Quadriga and took it to Paris as a war trophy, but it was returned to Berlin in 1814 after his defeat. Throughout its history, the Brandenburg Gate has been a silent witness to major events. It was used for royal parades, Nazi ceremonies, and, most significantly, stood in the exclusion zone during the Cold War when the Berlin Wall divided the city. After the wall fell in 1989, the gate became a symbol of reunification, opening on December 22, 1989, to the cheers of over 100,000 people. Today, the Brandenburg Gate stands on Pariser Platz, a square surrounded by embassies, hotels, and the boulevard Unter den Linden, making it a central point for tourists exploring Berlin.

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