The Brandenburg Gate is the most famous symbol of Berlin and Germany. For many years they served as a symbol of the divided Germany and Berlin, and after 1989 they became the embodiment of the country's reunification.
Brandenburg Gate at the Pariserplatz are the most important example of classicism in Germany. They were built by order of King Frederick Wilhelm II in 1788-1791. architect Karl Gottgard Langhans based on the propylaea of \u200b\u200bthe Athenian Acropolis.
The Brandenburg Gate is the only surviving city gate in Berlin, its original name being the Gate of Peace. The facade of the gate was originally painted in white color... The decoration of the facade belongs to the hand of Johann Gottfried Schadov; he also designed a six-meter quadriga, ruled by the goddess of Victory, Victoria.
After conquering Berlin, Napoleon ordered the chariot to be dismantled and transported to Paris. After the victory over Napoleon, the goddess Victoria returned to Berlin and received the Iron Cross, created by Friedrich Schinkel.
In 1814 the quadriga was returned to Berlin, the statue changed its olive wreath for an iron cross and became the goddess of Victory.
In 1871, through Brandenburg Gate the victorious soldiers marched, in 1918 and 1920. - Counter-revolutionary soldiers, in 1933 the gate became the backstage of the National Socialist holiday.
During World War II, the Brandenburg Gate was seriously damaged, and the quadriga was completely destroyed. In 1945, a red banner fluttered on the quadriga, and under it was a huge portrait of Stalin.
In 1956, the gate was restored, the quadriga was restored only by 1958. In 1961, the Brandenburg Gate was built into the erected Berlin Wall, which divided the eastern and western parts of the city, and closed. The gates did not reopen until December 22, 1989, when the Berlin Wall finally collapsed and West German chancellor Helmut Kohl walked in to greet East German Prime Minister Hans Modrow. Since then, the Brandenburg Gate has become a symbol of peace and unity in the city.
On November 2, 2000, the Brandenburg Gate was closed for restoration, which ended on October 3, 2002.
Now Brandenburg Gate again decorate Berlin.
History knows many examples when an ordinary utilitarian building becomes a symbol of an entire city, and sometimes even a country. Berlin's Brandenburg Gate is one of that number. It is their image that first of all pops up in memory at any mention of the German capital, and it is they who were and remain silent witnesses of all its triumphs and falls.
The history of this building is full of tragic moments, and their symbolism has changed over time, so this gate certainly deserves to learn more about them.
Architecture
Most recently, the Brandenburg Gate celebrated its 225th anniversary. They were built at the end of the 18th century and then were part of the so-called Berlin customs wall, which surrounded the capital of Prussia on all sides. Erected by order of Frederick Wilhelm II, they were supposed to perform the functions of an ordinary city gate, that is, serve as a checkpoint and customs point for people and goods. At that time, Prussia was experiencing an unprecedented economic boom, so its ruler wanted the gates of the prosperous capital to look expensive and pompous, and at the same time symbolize some kind of virtue. The Brandenburg Gate was destined to become the "Gate of the World".
The architect Karl Gottard Langgans was entrusted with the implementation of the will of the monarch, and he perfectly coped with his task. Taking into account the complex allegory that needed to be expressed in stone, the architect decided to turn to antiquity and chose the famous Propylaea of \u200b\u200bthe Athenian Acropolis as a prototype for his creation.
Just like the Greek, the Berlin gate had two rows of strict Doric columns, between which there were five passages. The central passage was the widest and only foreign ambassadors or royalty could use it. For ordinary mortals, both on foot and on horseback, the rest, narrower passages were intended.
The decoration of the Brandenburg Gate was graceful, very similar to antique statues by the famous sculptor Johann Gottfried Schadov. He also created a huge, 6-meter quadriga - a chariot drawn by four horses, crowning the entire structure.
Initially, the quadriga was ruled by the Germanic goddess of the world, Eirena, who held an olive branch in her hand. However, after some events, the goddess had to change her name, but more on that later.
The entire sculptural composition is oriented to the east, so it is easy to navigate by its location.
In addition to the quadriga, the Brandenburg Gate is decorated with numerous reliefs, and statues of ancient gods are located in niches and annexes. All of them are called to embody the glory and prosperity of Prussia, as a great European power, and Frederick William II, as its wise ruler.
Ups and downs
The Brandenburg Gate was opened in 1791, but it did not take long to delight Berliners with its beauty and grace. Already in 1806, during the Napoleonic Wars, Prussia suffered a crushing defeat at the Battle of Jena and Berlin was forced to surrender at the mercy of the victor. Napoleon entered the city with triumph through the Brandenburg Gate and was so delighted with the quadriga decorating them that he decided to take it to France as a trophy of war.
The chariot with the goddess returned to her homeland only after the fall of the Napoleonic empire, and it was then that she changed her name and vestments. From now on, her head was decorated with an oak wreath, and in her hands, instead of a neutral olive, a patriotic iron cross appeared. Now it was the goddess Victoria, symbolizing not peace, but freedom and victory over the invader.
Soldiers who had won the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 marched through the Brandenburg Gate, and it seemed that now there would be no end to the victories. However, the twentieth century has come, and German heroes have changed a lot.
For the first three decades, the goddess Victoria was forced to helplessly watch how once collapsed great empire, giving rise to a wave of uprisings and riots. And then, the dark times of the Third Reich came and the Brandenburg Gate with their pagan symbols became perhaps the best decoration for the grandiose festivities organized in honor of the new order.
During World War II, the gate was almost destroyed and the famous quadriga turned to dust. In its place for more than a decade, from 1945 to 1957, the flag of the USSR fluttered. The sculptural composition was restored and returned to its place only in 1958, and the Soviet flag above it was replaced by the flag of the GDR, on the territory of which the Brandenburg Gate remained after the partition of Berlin.
Loneliness and alienation
Since 1961, when the partition of Berlin ended with the construction of a blank wall between its western and eastern parts, the Brandenburg Gate was completely isolated. It became impossible to approach them from one side or the other. The lonely gate in the middle of an empty square has become a symbol of separation and alienation for many years.
Therefore, it is natural that they also became the site of the main celebrations for the unification of the German capital. The joy of the inhabitants was so great and irrepressible that after New Year's Eve in 1990 the already long-suffering quadriga had to be restored again.
The symbol of modern Berlin
Today the Brandenburg Gate is considered perhaps the most famous landmark of the capital of the united Germany. Having lost its city walls a long time ago, the gates were a free-standing structure for a long time, but now they are harmoniously inscribed in the new architectural appearance of Paris Square.
In modern times, the Brandenburg Gate has many roles. When visiting Berlin by high-ranking foreign guests, they act as a triumphal arch, and serve as a monument to German power. On ordinary days, they pose for numerous tourists, and in the evenings they often turn into a decoration for a music or light show.
Germany is a country with a rich history and many interesting sights, which a large number of tourists want to see every year. The Brandenburg Gate stands out among the notable places. They are ranked among the most important architectural monuments of the country. Hardly any of us do not know in which city the Brandenburg Gate is located. It is the capital of Germany -. This attraction is not just a wonderful architectural creation. For many Germans, the Brandenburg Gate is a special national symbol, a milestone in history. Why? - we will tell about this.
Symbol of Germany - Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is one of a kind. Once they were located on the outskirts of the city, but now geographically the gates are in the center. This is the last surviving city gate of Berlin. Their original name was Peace Gate. The architectural style of the monument is defined as Berlin Classicism. The prototype of the gate is the entrance to the Parthenon in the Propylaea. The construction is a triumphal arch, consisting of 12 Greek prehistoric columns, as well as six on each side. The height of the Brandenburg Gate is 26 m, the length is 66 m. The thickness of the monument is 11 m. Above the upper part of the structure there is a copper statue of the goddess of Victory - Victoria, who rules the quadriga - a chariot drawn by four horses. In the annexes of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, there is a statue of the god of war Mars and the goddess Minerva.
History of the Brandenburg Gate
The most recognizable architectural monument of the capital was built in 1789-1791. by decree of King Friedrich Wilhelm II by Karl Gottgard Langgans, a famous German architect. The main focus of his work was the application of the ancient Greek style, which was successfully reflected in his most famous project - the Brandenburg Gate. The decoration of the arch - a quadriga ruled by the goddess Victoria, was created by Johann Gottfried Shadov.
After the conquest of Berlin, Napoleon liked the chariot so much that he gave the order to dismantle the quadriga from the Brandenburg Gate and transport it to Paris. True, after the victory over the army of Napoleon in 1814, the goddess of Victory, along with the chariot, was returned to its rightful place. In addition to this, she was made an Iron Cross, made by the hand of Friedrich Schinkel.
After coming to power, the Nazis used the Brandenburg Gate for their ceremonial processions. Surprisingly, among the ruins and ruins of Berlin in 1945, this architectural monument was the only one that remained intact, with the exception of the goddess of Victory. True, by 1958 the gate arch was again decorated with a copy of the quadriga with the goddess Victoria.
By 1961, with the escalation of the Berlin Crisis, the country was divided into two parts: east and west. The Brandenburg Gate was on the border of the erected Berlin Wall, the passage through them was blocked. Thus, the gate became a symbol of the division of Germany into two camps - capitalist and socialist. However, on December 22, 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell, the Brandenburg Gate was opened. German Chancellor Helmut Kohl 
walked through them in a solemn atmosphere to shake the hand of Hans Monrov, Prime Minister of the GDR. From that moment on, the Brandenburg Gate became for all Germans a national symbol of the reunification of the country, the unity of the people and the world.
Where is the Brandenburg Gate located?
If you have a desire to visit the most famous symbol of Germany during your visit to Berlin, then it does not hurt to know their location. The Brandenburg Gate is located in Berlin at Pariser Platz 10117. You can get there by S- and U-Bahn metropolitan transport to the Brandenburger Tor station, S1, 2, 25 and U55.
Brandenburg Gate (Germany) - description, history, location. Exact address, phone number, website. Reviews of tourists, photos and videos.
- New Year Tours Worldwide
- Last Minute Tours Worldwide
Previous photo Next photo
Like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome or the Tower of London, the Brandenburg Gate is the symbol and hallmark of Berlin. This is the most recognizable Berlin landmark, from which construction began in the so-called Berlin Classicist style. They are located in the heart of the capital of Germany and adjoin the legendary Linden Alley, which connects the gate with the former royal residence, and are also one of the tallest buildings on the Parisian square, their height is more than twenty-five meters.
The Brandenburg Gate was erected by order of the German king Friedrich Wilhelm II in 1791. Their continuous construction was carried out for three years, and they were led by the architect Karl Gottgard Langgans. It was he who designed this triumphal arch, taking as a model the front gate of the Athenian Acropolis. According to the original idea, they were supposed to become a symbol of peace, hence their second name - the Gates of the World.
According to this concept, the main decoration of the gate is the bronze figure of the ancient Greek goddess of peace Irena, riding on an ancient chariot drawn by four horses, she appeared above the gate only two years after their construction. Napoleon Bonaparte liked this sculptural composition so much that after the conquest of Berlin in 1806, he took it with him to Paris, but eight years later it was recaptured and took its original place. True, since then, instead of an olive branch, she holds a cross in her hands, and is called the goddess of victory Victoria.
Later, the gate became the personification of the absolute power of the Nazi party in Germany. And after a while they were part of the Berlin Wall, which did not prevent them from becoming a symbol of the reunification of West and East Berlin. After all, it was through these gates that the Prime Minister of the GDR Hans Modrow came out to meet the German Chancellor Helmut Kohl.
Once upon a time it was possible to enter Berlin through eighteen gates, but they were all destroyed, and only the main Brandenburg gates remained timeless. Although this statement is very conditional, because during the Second World War they underwent serious destruction and were completely restored only by the second half of the fifties of the last century. During the war years, the statue of Irena-Victoria was also destroyed, but the original casts were preserved, according to which the sculpture was created at one time, so it was not difficult to restore it to almost its original form.
Today, the Brandenburg Gate on Paris Square attracts not only visitors to the city, but also Berliners themselves; they come to the Hall of Silence, located in the northern wing of the gate, to once again remember their history and the lessons it taught them.
For the first time in Berlin. Where to go, what to try:
Address:Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany
The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most famous landmarks in Berlin and Germany in general. The gate is directly related to the history of the country: for a long time they were a symbol of the split in Germany.
History of the Brandenburg Gate
This architectural monument was created by order of Friedrich Wilhelm in 1788-1791 by the architect K.G. Langhans, who was a representative of Berlin classicism. The height of the gate is 26 meters and its width is 11 meters. The Brandenburg Gate is made in the ancient Greek style and is a classic portico with Doric columns. At the top of the gate is depicted a four horses ruled by the goddess Victoria. The chariot was created and brought to life by the German sculptor Johann Gottfried Schadov.
19th century
In 1806, after the capture of Berlin by Napoleon, the quadriga was dismantled and taken to Paris as a war trophy. But already in 1814 she returned to her homeland again. Then the architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel contributes to the composition and decorates the goddess Victoria with an iron cross crowned with an eagle.
20th century
In the 30s. The Brandenburg Gate becomes a permanent site for Nazi parades and torchlight processions. Thus, the Nazis wanted to make the famous historical monument their symbol.
After during World War II soviet troops broke through to Berlin, the city was almost destroyed. This also affected the Brandenburg Gate: the chariot and the goddess Victoria were severely damaged. The gate was restored only 11 years later (1956), and the quadriga was restored only 13 years later (1958).
In 1961, the political situation in the world aggravated, resulting in the Berlin crisis, when a split occurs in Germany and it is divided into the FRG and the GDR. It was in Berlin, where the historical monument is located, that the Berlin Wall was built, dividing the city into a socialist and capitalist camp. At that time, the passage through the famous gate was blocked, so neither the residents of West Berlin, nor the residents of East Berlin could get to the Brandenburg Gate. Thus, the monument stood isolated from people and other structures until 1989.
In December 1989, the unification of Germany took place, as a result of which the Berlin Wall was destroyed and the Brandenburg Gate was opened. So, the famous landmark of Germany has become a symbol of the unification of the country.
Delving into the history of the city, it is worth visiting the Reichstag, known as one of the most important symbols of Berlin.