BERLIN PRUSSIAN ARCHITECTURE – 5.5K

Description

Berlin’s Mitte features some of the city’s most famous architecture from an era of prussian rule. Beginning in Monbijou park with a look across the Spree to Museumsinsel, a grouping of 5 of the city’s most famous museums, before running towards the Reichstag, encompassing the Bundestag, which began as Neo-Baroque construction before the addition of contemporary elements during it’s completed construction after reunification in 1989. Next, we’ll see the Brandenburger Tor, arguably Berlin’s most famous landmark in the Neo-classical style, which stands as a symbol of Germany unity and peace, before heading to Bebelplatz, the square near the Berlin Staatsoper and Humboldt University Berlin. Let’s run through Berlin’s impressive historic Prussian architecture together!

Starting at Museum Island, we will work our way around the core of Berlin’s center to see some of the city’s highlights, which also happen to be masterpieces of Prussian architecture. At museum Island, which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage site, we will learn about five of Berlin’s state museums including the Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum, and the Pergammon Museum. Each museum has its own distinct character, being home to a variety of different arts. From the relics of ancient Egypt to sculpture from the Italian Renaissance to Baroque paintings, these museums house some of the world’s most impressive collections of art. Next, we will venture towards the Bundestag and the Brandenburg gate. Both important sites of German rule, policy, and union. Each of these architectural marvels have a powerful and distinct history within Germany—when they were built, during war times, and especially following them. And, rounding out our tour, we will reach our last stop at Bebelplatz, the home of the City Opera, St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, as well as t Humboldt University Berlin.

Over the hundreds of years the Prussians ruled over Berlin, they erected many ornate and impressive structures which hold significant cultural value within the city. Though their architectural styles vary of the preferences and centuries of those who commissioned them, they have each withstood the test of time, never disappointing in content or form. Though many have been partially reconstructed following World War II, Berlin’s Prussian architecture has had some of the greatest longevity in the city, privy to change and history.